Infrastructure constraints in physical education and sports services across Russian regions

Aim. This study examines the influence of sports infrastructure on the accessibility and quality of physical education and sports services across Russian federal districts, with the aim of developing targeted measures to mitigate infrastructure constraints. Materials and methods. The analysis contains official statistical data from Rosstat (Federal Service for State Statistics) and the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, supplemented by analytical data from domestic and international sports infrastructure assessments. The study employs systemic, sectoral, and regional analyses, alongside correlation and comparative analyses. The authors’ analytical framework is applied to assess sports infrastructure in eight federal districts of the Russian Federation as of 2022. Results. The study establishes a typology of federal districts based on the “physical education and sports infrastructure vs. population engagement in physical activity” matrix, identifying leading and lagging regions. Based on these findings, region-specific policy measures are proposed to address infrastructure disparities. Conclusion. A significant correlation between infrastructure development and physical education and sports service accessibility underscores the critical role of sports infrastructure in the regions of Russia.