Investing in Sports Science
Sports science integration into different training programs has come out to be immensely crucial for improving athletic performance and injury prevention in India. In 2024, major improvements were reported in the adoption of sports sciences across many sports disciplines.
For example, a total of close to INR ₹150 crore or about $18 million has been sanctioned by the National Sports Development Fund of India to extend support for sports science initiatives related to technology upgrade and athlete support programs.
Current Adoption and Benefits
Elite athletes and national teams these days use data analytics to monitor and improve performances. Recent data indicates that roughly 70% of India’s elite athletes in cricket, hockey and athletics are adopting methods in sports science-sharply up from only 30% in 2020. The rise reflects increasing awareness about the use of biomechanical analysis, physiological tests and nutrition according to needs.
Challenges at the Grassroots Level
It is still integration, though, which remains rather unevenly distributed. So, grassroots and regional programs seldom have access to superior sports science resources. According to a 2024 survey by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), at the district level, 20% of the training centers reported having access to the sports science facilities, while 60% at the national level had access. Thus, the chasm indicates the requirement for further investments in sports science infrastructure at levels lower than the highest level of competition.
Future Directions
Another important aspect of successfully applying sports science would be complete cooperation between sports scientists, coaches and athletes. As this field is constantly in growth, creating an environment that appreciates evidence-based training practices is crucial for the future development in improving sports science in India. This will require further investment and education to narrow the gap between elite and grassroots levels and lift the overall standard of Indian sports.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
