Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Sports Participation in Rural vs Urban Areas in Southern Rajasthan

The overall analysis demonstrates a clear and consistent association between socioeconomic status and sports participation across both rural and urban environments. Participation rates increase proportionally with improvements in SES, indicating that financial stability, education, and social exposure significantly shape individuals’ engagement in sports. Furthermore, urban residents consistently exhibit higher participation levels across all SES groups, underscoring the advantages conferred by urban settings in terms of accessibility, facility availability, and institutional support. In contrast, rural populations — especially those from low-income backgrounds — remain underrepresented due to limited infrastructure, lack of trained personnel, and lower levels of awareness regarding the benefits of sports participation. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions aimed at enhancing rural sports infrastructure, providing financial incentives, and promoting awareness programs that encourage participation across all social strata. Ensuring equitable access to sporting opportunities is crucial not only for talent development but also for fostering social inclusion and overall community well-being.