India’s youngest population is among its least aerobically fit, according to Sportz Village EduSports’ 14th Annual Health Survey. Spanning 1,41,840 children across 333 schools in 112 cities, the survey provides longitudinal insights into childhood health trends since 2010.
While overall fitness levels have recovered post-pandemic — climbing to 84.8% in 2025 — aerobic fitness remains the weakest parameter, with only 34.4% meeting benchmarks. BMI has remained largely stagnant, with 40% of children outside the healthy range. Strength parameters also show significant deficits, with nearly half of students missing upper body benchmarks.
The data underscores that consistent, structured PE programmes drive measurable improvement. Students with two years of structured PE improved overall fitness from 66% to 82%.
Saumil Majmudar, Co-founder, CEO & MD, Sportz Village, said, “This year’s findings rearm something we have always believed – healthy childhoods are intentionally built! At a time when children are facing rising lifestyle-related health risks and growing emotional pressures, building healthy habits early has never been more important. Schools play a critical role by designing structured opportunities for movement, but lasting impact comes when families and communities support the same environment. As a country, we must continue to track and understand children’s well-being at scale, so that we can respond meaningfully and collectively. The opportunity before us is clear – to act with intent today and create healthier, happier childhoods for the years ahead.”
