New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport is committed to providing comprehensive support for sports science initiatives, emphasizing the importance of investing judiciously and applying sports science effectively to achieve tangible results, stated Secretary (Sports) and Director General of SAI, Hari Ranjan Rao during an event in New Delhi.

On the inaugural day of a four-day Sports Science Workshop tailored for Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches specializing in precision sports (specifically archery and shooting), which commenced on Monday at the SAI Sports Science Division, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, Rao delivered the opening address, underscoring the necessity of integrating sports science into everyday training practices.

“The Ministry and Government will provide unwavering support to sports science initiatives, yet it is crucial that we invest wisely and leverage sports science with precision for optimal outcomes,” noted Hari Ranjan Rao. “Utilizing sports science effectively is essential to assist athletes, particularly in disciplines where minor improvements can distinguish between mere participation and success on the podium.”

This workshop for coaches in precision sports follows a series of workshops aimed at sensitizing coaches that began in December of the previous year. Similar workshops have been conducted at the SAI Sports Science Division across various disciplines, including Hockey, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Athletics, and now Shooting and Archery.

“Sports science plays a vital role in ensuring effective training, preventing injuries, and promoting long-lasting careers, ultimately alleviating the financial pressure on athletes and their families,” Rao continued. “We aim to enhance sports science support nationwide by increasing the number of centers and fortifying athlete support systems within national camps and centers of excellence.”

The workshop unites coaches, sports scientists, medical professionals, and performance specialists to merge traditional coaching methodologies with evidence-based practices. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to implement regular capacity-building programs for coaches across various domains, ensuring all athletes receive consistent, world-class support, regardless of their discipline.

“Honourable Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Secretary (Sports) have consistently highlighted the necessity of promoting sports science among coaches to integrate these principles into daily training,” stated Brig. (Dr.) Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Director-cum-Head of the Sports Science Division at SAI. “These targeted engagements with coaches, backed by sports scientists, will positively influence India’s medal prospects. Our vision is athlete-centric, coach-led, and supported by sports science,” he added.

The precision sports-focused Sports Science Workshop aims to provide a performance-centric perspective on shooting and archery, areas where marginal gains frequently differentiate between medals and near-misses. The program investigates how biomechanics, conditioning, and stability training can bolster postural control, consistency, and resilience against injuries, with coaches being introduced to practical applications of movement analysis and core-stability-oriented conditioning.

The sessions are crafted to assist coaches in translating scientific principles directly into their daily training routines, enhancing technical efficiency while lowering the cumulative injury risk for elite precision athletes.

The workshop encompasses physiology, recovery sciences, sports psychology, and sports medicine, reflecting a comprehensive approach to athlete preparation. Coaches will engage in modules covering nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, yoga-based recovery, and long-term athlete health, alongside applied sports psychology sessions addressing focus, pressure management, and emotional regulation.

Advanced practical sessions on neurofeedback, visualization, wearable technology, data tracking, and AI-based performance feedback aim to equip coaches with contemporary monitoring tools for training and competition. These sessions are facilitated by leading experts from across the Sports Authority of India ecosystem, including specialists from IGSC New Delhi, NSSC Bengaluru, Sonipat, Kolkata, Gandhinagar, and NSNIS Patiala, as well as domain experts from NRAI and affiliated institutions.