The World Health Organisation states that over 80% of adolescents aged 11 to 17 do not engage with recommended levels of physical activity. Moreover, this further compounded by limited open access to outdoor play, increased academic burden, and increased screen time. The situation is exacerbated for adolescents in disadvantaged communities with limited resources, formal sports programmes, and avenues for instilling healthy, active lifestyles.
Adolescence is also a crucial stage in obtaining physical and cognitive habits that will have implications for well-being in later years. Research provides evidence that regular involvement in sports and team-based activities improves concentration, resilience, leadership skills, and psychosocial health. However, many youth in India, especially in low-income households, have inadequate access or support for physical education. Thereby, a lack of support in physical education represents a crucial gap in holistic development approaches.
Closing this gap requires more than infrastructure: it requires consistent effort and inclusive programming that views physical activity as essential to health and empowerment. PlayBold emerged out of this recognition: an initiative that will create accessible, affordable sporting and wellness options that develop not only fitness, but also teamwork, self-confidence, and mental health and wellness for underserved adolescent youth.