The article analyzes the state and development of teaching physical culture and sports in primary and secondary schools in Stalingrad (Volgograd) and in the during the “Khrushchev thaw”. On the basis of archival sources, the activities of the leadership of public education and physical education to improve the material and technical base, the qualifications of teachers and the level of teaching, and the organization of sports competitions are covered. Achievements and problems that remained unresolved by the end of the era of N. S. Khrushchev are shown.