Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT Physical education (PE) was one of the subjects most brutally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused an incomparable disruption in education around the world. PE, which is stood on experiential and activity-based learning, faced many specific challenges in contrast to academic subjects that accustomed with the virtual classrooms. The health and overall improvement of students endured greatly as a result of school closings, sports competition cancellations, and controlled access to playgrounds and fitness centers. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the physical education crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, with highlighting the short-term difficulties, long-term effects, and new improvements. The analysis also emphasises how vital it is to defend physical education as a central component of holistic education in the context of international and Indian system of education. Procedures: Peer-reviewed literature, policy documents and institutional reports from UNESCO, WHO and national bodies were blended using a narrative review approach. The effects on physical fitness, skill development, psychological health, equity and adaptations like online and hybrid PE models were identified through a thematic analysis of the evidence. Findings and Discussion: The results demonstrate that students had superior rates of anxiety, obesity risk, and sedentary behavior and reduced social interaction. Virtual competitions, digital fitness applications, and online physical education classes presented some partial solutions, but they were incomplete by unequal access, lack of supplies and insufficient teacher preparation. Children with disabilities, girls and students from rural areas were among the groups that suffered most. The requirement of digital infrastructure, teacher capacity building and hybrid PE models was also emphasized by the crisis. Conclusion: physical education should not be analysised as an elective but rather as a fundamental part of an all-rounded education. Post-pandemic recovery calls for funding for digital platforms, teacher preparation, and long-term changes of governmental outlook. In addition to dropping the negative effects of the pandemic, strengthening PE is indispensable for forming future healthier societies for the generation next.