EDUCATION PRACTICE AND INNOVATION Sports Excellence: A Pathway From Grass Roots to Elite Performance Level

This paper is an attempt to study the international scenario vis--vis parameters of sports excellence and to explore its need at various levels of performance in the context of competitive sports. For this purpose, scenario of leading countries in sports is overviewed and discussed briefly to know which type of strategy they adopt for sports excellence. Further, parameters of sports excellence are discussed under the headings of pillars of sports excellence. These pillars including identification and selection of talent, quality coaching and competition exposure, standardized infrastructure and supportive aids, scientific back up (exercise physiology and sports medicine, sports biomechanics, sports psychology and sports anthropometry), systematic research programmes, scholarships and financial aid are needed to be introduced in a systematic manner from grass root to elite performance level for winning a medal at international level. While studying the process and status of sports excellence at international level, suggestions and strategy implications have been also presented to upgrade and promote the sports excellence at various levels of performance. Keywords