This article explores the evolving landscape of sports science in India, highlighting the critical role of data collection, load management, and a tailored approach to training. It emphasizes the need to move beyond borrowing data from other countries and develop a robust system specific to Indian athletes to achieve peak performance and compete at the global level.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the new Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, defeated his Congress rival by 3.83 lakh votes to win the Porbandar Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat. Apart from the sports portfolio, he has also been assigned the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. India achieved its best-ever performance at the Olympics during the outgoing minister, Anurag Thakur’s tenure, winning a record seven medals in the Tokyo Games. Mandaviya’s appointment comes as the government started making a pitch to launch an ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games for the first time ever.
Indian sabre fencer Bhavani Devi, who made history by becoming the first Indian fencer to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo, has seen her hopes of competing in Paris in 2024 dashed after failing to qualify in the Asia Oceania Zonal qualifiers. Despite her impressive performances and improvements under the guidance of renowned coach Christian Bauer, Devi’s Olympic aspirations have been put on hold for another four years. As she comes to terms with the disappointment, Devi remains determined to continue her journey in the sport, drawing inspiration from older fencers who have found success even in their 30s.
Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, has triumphed in the men’s javelin throw event at the Federation Cup, marking his first competitive outing on Indian soil in three years. Despite a slow start, Chopra regained momentum to secure the gold medal with a throw of 82.27m, surpassing his main rival, DP Manu, who claimed the silver medal.
