The Tamil Nadu government has announced that physical education will become mandatory for students in classes 6 to 12 starting from the 2026 academic session. This policy, which applies to all schools including private institutions, aims to promote regular physical activity and sports exposure among students for their overall development. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued guidelines to ensure effective implementation, following reports of private schools neglecting physical education classes. To enforce compliance, district physical education inspectors will monitor schools and report on those lacking adequate sports facilities. Schools will also be encouraged to provide special coaching for students interested in pursuing sports, helping to identify and nurture young talent. The government plans to study successful schools in state and national sports competitions to adopt best practices and strengthen the sports culture in the state. Education experts have praised this initiative, highlighting its potential to improve students' health, discipline, teamwork skills, and overall well-being.