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Indian Express
a day ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
What National Sports Policy can do for India's athletes
As someone who has spent decades in the field of sports medicine, closely observing the physical and psychological toll elite sport takes on athletes, I am both encouraged and excited by the emphasis placed on sports science and technology in the upcoming National Sports Policy 2025. This is not just a policy — it's a paradigm shift. For the first time in our nation's sporting journey, we are embedding science, technology, and evidence-based medicine at the heart of athlete development. From injury prevention and biomechanics to mental conditioning and recovery, the policy envisions a system where performance is supported, not just expected. India has made great strides in global sports. But to compete consistently at the highest level, performance needs to be sustained by systems that are smart, adaptable, and medically sound. The National Sports Policy 2025 acknowledges this and integrates sports science, sports medicine, and cutting-edge technology as foundational pillars for the next decade of Indian sports. It gives me immense satisfaction as a medical practitioner to note that the new policy focuses on: Injury surveillance, prevention, and early intervention, which remain essential for athlete longevity; biomechanics and performance analytics to refine training and technique; nutrition and recovery science — areas where marginal gains often make the difference between podium finishes and missed opportunities; and mental health and cognitive conditioning, which, in today's high-pressure environment, are non-negotiable. The policy outlines that facilities for sports science and sports medicine will be established and upgraded at major training centres across the country. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has already begun enhancing sports science facilities and installing world-class recovery equipment at its regional centres and National Centres of Excellence, in partnership with the National Centre for Sports Science & Research. The SAI regional centre in Bengaluru, where our Olympic medal prospects under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) train, has got one of the best sports science facilities in the entire country. Another Return to Sports division was recently established at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. These are multi-disciplinary hubs where coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, orthopaedic surgeons and data scientists work together to support athletes. In a significant step, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had constituted a 10-member medical panel in association with the Indian Olympic Association last year, including myself, to be stationed in Paris during the Olympic Games. For the first time, India had a dedicated medical team on-ground to manage injuries, monitor recovery, and make real-time decisions for our athletes' health and safety. The policy also rightly champions technology as a tool for governance and performance monitoring. Platforms will be upgraded and restructured to improve the transparency and efficiency of various schemes. From AI-driven performance analysis to real-time dashboards, monitoring training loads and recovery metrics, technology will be harnessed not just to track, but to intervene early, predict outcomes, and course-correct when necessary. What excites me even more is that we are not stopping at application — we are fostering sports innovation by leveraging technology for data-driven monitoring and implementation of sports programmes. With the proposed sports innovation task force and research grants, educational and research institutions will be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary solutions, creating a pipeline of ideas, tools, and technologies that are India-specific. In a nutshell, the National Sports Policy 2025 is not just forward-thinking — it is vital. By embedding sports science and technology into the fabric of our sporting ecosystem, we are moving toward certainty — from passion alone to passion empowered by precision. As someone who has treated hundreds of India's top athletes, I know that talent and training are never enough. Support, science, and systems are what create champions. With this policy, we are finally building those systems. The writer is a sports orthopaedic surgeon. He was head of a medical panel constituted by the sports ministry to support Indian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics
NDTV
3 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Encourages Youth To Take Up Cycling For Fit And Drug-Free India During Sundays On Cycle
The 32nd edition of the Fit India Sundays on Cycle culminated in a grand celebration of fitness and a strong message against substance abuse with Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya riding a cycle along with a massive crowd of over 3000 individuals here at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus in Varanasi, according to a release from SAI media. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the importance of keeping the nation's youth away from drugs and encouraged the large crowd gathered at the BHU campus to adopt an active lifestyle saying, "A healthy body can only lead to a healthy mind and a healthy mind can only catalyse the nation towards Viksit Bharat," as quoted from a release by SAI media. The special edition of nationwide cycling initiative was organised in partnership with several educational institutions including Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Kendriya Vidayalaya Sangathan, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), DAV College Management Committee, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Bal Bharati Public School. "Sundays on Cycle has transformed into a jan andolan (mass movement). Today, all the educational institutions took part in the Nasha-Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign at more than 6000 locations across the sub-continent. We can only fulfil our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji's vision of a Viksit Bharat by eradicating addiction amongst youth. The Government's objective through this initiative is that the country's youth remain fit and healthy and become vital cogs in the nation's progress," Mandaviya said. Mandaviya was joined by Hon'ble Union Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Hon'ble Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh Girish Chandra Yadav,l, Hon'ble MLA from Varanasi North Ravindra Jaiswal, Hon'ble MLA from Pindra Varanasi Sh. Awdesh Singh, Hon'ble MLA from Varanasi Cantt Saurav Srivastava, Hon'ble MLC Dharmendra Singh, Hon'ble MLC Hansraj, Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi S. Rajalingam and Regional Director of SAI Netaji Subhash Regional Centre, Lucknow Atma Prakash, among others. The cyclists rode through the lush green and serene environment inside the Banaras Hindu University campus traversing through iconic locations like Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Malviya Bhawan, Birla Hostel, IIT Chauraha, Vishwanath Temple and then returning to the starting point Amphitheatre Ground. A sizeable crowd also took part in yoga, meditation and Zumba sessions making the event a grand celebration of fitness. "Under the guidance of our Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle is organised across the length and breadth of the country. We are getting some terrific response from the citizens for this initiative. Today, we organised the cycling campaign at BHU campus and I am very happy to say that a massive crowd cycled with us here. The youth understands the disadvantages of indulging in drugs. Somewhere we needed to make a start and the message is clear that only a healthy youth can lead to a prosperous nation," Raksha Khadse told reporters later. The Delhi edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle saw an enthusiastic turnout this week, with over 1000 school students from more than 300 schools across the National Capital Region joining the national cycling drive. India international cyclists Esow Alben, Mayuri Lute and Sushikala Agashe were present to motivate the young participants. "As a cyclist, it makes me really happy. I went to my hometown in Andaman recently for my holidays and saw that the Fit India Sundays on Cycle is active there too. People are taking these events to higher levels and I'm happy to see more and more Indians getting involved in fitness," said Esow, bronze medalist at 2022 Asian Cycling Championships. Conducted in collaboration with Raahgiri Foundation, the event also included yoga, Zumba, rope skipping, badminton, as well as school games zone featuring fun activities like snake & ladder, carrom, chess, mini golf, and ludo. The 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Rope Skipping team led by Shikha Gupta, Raahgiri Foundation, My Bikes and MY Bharat. The cycling drive is organised simultaneously in capitals of all States and Union Territories besides SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) and Khelo India centres (KICs) across various age groups.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Hockey India names 40-member core group for senior women's national camp
Hockey India on Saturday (July 19, 2025) announced a 40-member core probable group for the upcoming senior women's national coaching camp, which will be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29. The camp holds significance as the Indian women's hockey team gears up for the women's Asia Cup, set to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retained, reflecting a continued emphasis on stability and long-term development under the current coaching setup. "This camp comes at a very critical juncture for us. The Asia Cup is not just a prestigious continental tournament, but also a direct route to the 2026 World Cup. We are treating this camp with utmost intensity and focus to ensure we arrive in Hangzhou as a mentally and physically prepared unit," Indian women's hockey team chief coach Harendra Singh said in a release. "We have retained the core from the last camp to maintain consistency in our approach, while also allowing the younger players more time to integrate into the senior structure. After a tough Pro League campaign in Europe, where we couldn't produce the results we wanted, this camp also gives us a chance to reset, refocus, and bounce back stronger. Moreover, we have identified critical angles in penalty corner defence, which was a key area of concern during the Pro League." The goalkeeping unit features experienced stalwarts Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, and Madhuri Kindo, along with rising talent Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, who impressed selectors with her performances at the National Championships earlier this year. The defence line-up comprises seasoned names such as Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, and Mahima Chaudhary, bolstered by emerging players like Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Anjna Dungdung, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, and Suman Devi Thoudam. In midfield, the group continues to rely on the experience of Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan, and Sharmila Devi, while also nurturing young talents like Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, and Pooja Yadav. The forward line features a strong mix of agility and finishing ability, with players like Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Sangita Kumari, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish, and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar all named in the squad. Notably, the Indian team will look to build on past successes in Asia and redeem themselves after a challenging outing in the recently concluded FIH Pro League, where they struggled to find form during the European leg. Indian women's hockey team new 40-member senior core group: Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena. Defenders: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam. Midfielders: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav. Forwards: Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Hockey India names 40-member group for Senior Women's National Camp ahead of Asia Cup
Bengaluru: Hockey India on Saturday announced a 40-member core probables group for the upcoming Senior Women's National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from July 21 to August 29. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian women's team gears up for the Women's Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on September 5 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retained, reflecting a continued emphasis on stability and long-term development under the current coaching setup. The goalkeeping unit features experienced stalwarts Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki and Madhuri Kindo, along with rising talent Samiksha Saxena from Assam Hockey, who impressed selectors with her performances at the National Championships earlier this year. The defence line-up comprises seasoned names such as Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita and Mahima Chaudhary, bolstered by emerging players like Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Anjna Dungdung, Akshata Abaso Dhekale and Suman Devi Thoudam. In midfield, the group continues to rely on the experience of Neha, Salima Tete, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Manisha Chauhan and Sharmila Devi while also nurturing young talents like Sujata Kujur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo and Pooja Yadav. The forward line features a strong mix of agility and finishing ability, with players like Navneet Kaur, Deepika Soreng, Sangita Kumari, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, Mumtaz Khan, Beauty Dungdung, Annu, Hritika Singh, Dipimonika Toppo, Chandana Jagadish and Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar all named in the squad. Notably, the Indian team will look to build on past successes in Asia and redeem themselves after a challenging outing in the recently concluded FIH Pro League, where they struggled to find form during the European leg. Speaking on the camp, Indian women's team chief coach Harendra Singh said, 'This camp comes at a very critical juncture for us. The Asia Cup is not just a prestigious continental tournament, but also a direct route to the 2026 World Cup. We are treating this camp with utmost intensity and focus to ensure we arrive in Hangzhou as a mentally and physically prepared unit.' 'We have retained the core from the last camp to maintain consistency in our approach, while also allowing the younger players more time to integrate into the senior structure. After a tough Pro League campaign in Europe, where we couldn't produce the results we wanted, this camp also gives us a chance to reset, refocus, and bounce back stronger. Moreover, we have identified critical angles in penalty corner defence, which was a key area of concern during the Pro League. 'The energy within the group is positive. The players know what's at stake, and we'll be using every session to sharpen our structure, decision-making under pressure, and overall cohesion,' he concluded. Indian women's team 40-member senior core group: Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki, Madhuri Kindo, Samiksha Saxena. Defenders: Mahima Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Chhatri, Jyoti, Akshata Abaso Dhekale, Anjna Dungdung, Suman Devi Thoudam. Midfielders: Sujata Kujur, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Neha, Salima Tete, Manisha Chauhan, Ajmina Kujur, Sunelita Toppo, Lalremsiami, Sharmila Devi, Baljeet Kaur, Mahima Tete, Albela Rani Toppo, Pooja Yadav. Forwards: Dipimonika Toppo, Hritika Singh, Deepika Soreng, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Deepika, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Beauty Dungdung, Mumtaz Khan, Annu, Chandana Jagadish, Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Boat services fly flag for SWTD's backwater tourism endeavour
ALAPPUZHA: The state water transport department's 'Vega' and 'See Kuttanad' tourist boat services have been crafting a success story, delighting both domestic and international travellers with affordable, scenic cruises along Alappuzha's backwaters. Launched to offer a budget-friendly yet unforgettable visual treat of rural Kerala, the vessels have rapidly become favourites of tourists. They wind through the famed Punnamada backwaters, the tranquil expanses of Vembanad Lake, and the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, all while serving authentic Alappuzha delicacies like karimeen, kappa, and kakka erachi on board. In 55 months of its operations, Vega has carried nearly 1.15 lakh tourists and helped SWTD to a revenue of Rs 5 crore, while the double-decker See Kuttanad has earned Rs 1.55 crore and handled 40,000 tourists in 24 months — in a major boost to the tourism sector in Alappuzha. The 120-seater Vega, the star cruiser of the SWTD, was commissioned on December 24, 2020. Built at a cost of Rs 2.10 crore, the vessel achieved its projected seven-year cost recovery period in under four years, a milestone that highlights both its popularity and operational success. 'The response has been phenomenal. We've crossed break-even well ahead of schedule, which proves that quality services at affordable rates will always have takers,' said SWTD director Shaji V Nair. Following Vega's success, the 90-seater See Kuttanad service was introduced on November 1, 2022. Within just two years, it has edged closer to recovering its Rs 1.90 crore production cost. 'The growing interest in our services has encouraged us to plan more tourist-centric initiatives. One of the upcoming projects, Kuttanad Safari, the brainchild of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, is progressing rapidly and is expected to set a new benchmark,' Shaji added. Both Vega and See Kuttanad sail daily from the Alappuzha boat jetty at 11am and 11:30am, respectively. The voyage includes stops at the picturesque Pathiramanal Island, and views of the SAI rowing facility, Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery before returning by late afternoon. Tourists are treated to light refreshments and a sumptuous traditional Kerala lunch arranged by Kudumbashree. At a time when houseboats are offering relatively pricey day cruises, the department's low-budget rides are proving a hit with travellers.
