Why in news?
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) kicked off a four‑day Sports Sciences Workshop in New Delhi for coaches of boxing, wrestling and other combat sports. The workshop trains coaches in strength training, plyometric exercises, sports nutrition and injury management. It reflects SAI’s wider push to integrate scientific methods into coaching and support athletes across the country.
Background
The Sports Authority of India is the apex national sports body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It was set up in 1984 as a society to carry forward the legacy of the 1982 Asian Games and to promote sporting excellence. SAI scouts young talent, provides coaching, infrastructure, equipment and competitive exposure, and manages major sporting facilities. It also maintains Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex and Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges.
Key functions
- Talent scouting and training: SAI identifies promising athletes at grassroots level and gives them access to coaching, sports science support, equipment and residential facilities.
- Sports promotional schemes: Programmes such as National Centres of Excellence (NCOE), SAI Training Centres (STC), Extension Centres of STC and the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) nurture athletes from school age to the elite level.
- Educational programmes: SAI runs courses in physical education, sports sciences and coaching to build a skilled workforce for Indian sport.
- Infrastructure management: In addition to national stadiums, SAI oversees regional centres and training hubs across India to ensure athletes have access to quality facilities.
Significance of the workshop
- Scientific coaching: By teaching periodised strength training, nutrition planning and injury management, the workshop bridges the gap between traditional coaching and modern sports science.
- Better athlete welfare: Educated coaches can help prevent over‑training, reduce injuries and maximise performance, benefiting athletes preparing for national and international competitions.
- Collaborations: SAI plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Sports Injury Centre at Safdarjung Hospital to give athletes priority access to medical care.
Source: Press Information Bureau
