The Sportz Planet SportSci Summit 2024, Season 1, hosted 5 engaging panel discussions on June 22, 2024, at the Radisson Blu, Mumbai International Airport. The event featured distinguished experts discussing educating the crowd on various topics through panel discussions. Out of the 5 panel discussions one of them was based on the role of sports physiology, psychology, and biomechanics in maximizing athletic performance and promoting long-term athlete development.
Exploring Sports Physiology
Dr. Khyati Vakharia, a renowned medical professional specializing in sports medicine, led the discussion. As the team doctor for the Indian Athletics Team and a member of the Medical Panel at the Athletics Federation of India, Dr. Vakharia shared her unique insights. A former international athlete herself, she highlighted the mental aspects of sports, emphasizing, “If you want to make it to the pit, then you have to take off from as far as possible. Pole Vault is more mental than a physical sport.”
Importance of Regular Testing
Dr. Nikhil Latey, a physiotherapist and sport scientist at ProPhysio-Performance, stressed the importance of regular testing for athletes. He advocated for basic field testing every three months, stating, “Even basic field testing done every three months is a great resource.”
Psychological Support for Athletes
Mugdha Bavare, a counselor and sports psychologist, also contributed to the panel. As the founder of Mindsports and co-founder of Disha Counseling Center, she is a recipient of the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Award and author of the book ‘Sports Psychology’. Bavare underscored the necessity of psychological support for athletes to achieve peak performance and maintain mental health.
Advancements in Biomechanics
Priyanka Anie Kosle, an assistant professor and sports biomechanist at DY Patil University and DY Patil High-Performance Centre in Navi Mumbai, discussed the advancements in biomechanics. She focused on the use of IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensors, which consist of gyroscopes and accelerometers to measure and report angular rate and specific force. “We have the IMU sensors which can be placed on athletes’ body parts,” Professor Kosle explained, highlighting their importance in monitoring and enhancing athletic performance.
Engaging Moderation by Dr. Kenjom Ngomdir
The panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Kenjom Ngomdir, the Chief Medical Officer (SG) and Commandant, Sports Medicine and Trauma Specialist at the Training Directorate and Central Sports Teams, CRPF. Known for his wit and humor, Dr. Ngomdir kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the event.
The summit provided valuable insights into the interdisciplinary approach required to enhance athletic performance and ensure the long-term development of athletes. The discussions emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that includes physical training, regular testing, psychological support, and technological advancements in biomechanics.
The Sportz Planet- SportSci Summit 2024 turned out to be a crucial platform for experts to share knowledge and promote the integration of science and sports.
Also read about why Shri Dinesh Lad is regarded as ‘The Modern Day Dronacharya’ here.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
