Volume V Special Issue VI December 2025

Name of Author : Prof. Dr. Mini Thomas, Dr Princy P James

Title of the paper : Impact of Climate Induced Migration on Sports Performance, Community Health, and Social Health in India

Abstract: Climate induced internal migration is rapidly emerging as a major developmental, social, and health challenge in India. Between 2015 and 2024, climate related disasters triggered more than 32 million internal displacements, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities in states such as Kerala, Assam, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Bihar. While the economic consequences of this migration are widely studied, its effects on sports performance, community health, and social well being remain understudied. This paper examines how climate driven displacement disrupts sports participation, reduces access to physical activity infrastructure, weakens social cohesion, and increases physical and mental health burdens in migrant communities. Using a mixed data approach that integrates verified data IDMC, Ministry of Youth Affairs Sports, NORKA, NDMA and modelled district-level indicators, the study reveals that migrant dense districts report a 40 to 50% decline in sports access, 18 to 22% reduction in youth participation, and significant deterioration in social connectedness and health outcomes. The paper suggests targeted interventions through programmes such as Khelo India and community sports hubs to mitigate the emerging social health crisis among climate migrants.

Keywords : Climate Migration, Sports Performance, Internal Displacement, Community Health, Social Health, NORKA, India

DOI :

Page Number : 11-15