“The Interim Budget has identified Health as one of the Top 9 priority areas while Education remains an important focus area. The government should consider allocating budgets from Health and Education to improving School Sports and Physical Education as well as improving playgrounds in cities and towns. Sports participation has long-term health benefits which will reduce the future health bills of the country and schools have seen higher attendance, lower dropouts and higher child engagement in academic subjects after the introduction of a high-engagement sports curriculum. Investment in Sports in Schools is equivalent to investing in Preventive Health Schemes and Mid-day Meals for improving attendance and reducing drop-out rates.”