Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Sports Science Research (NCSSR) signed an MoU with IIT Delhi. Aim is to strengthen cooperation in sports sciences, advanced technology, and indigenous innovation.
Key Highlights
- Indigenous Development: Focus on developing sports equipment, sports science devices, and advanced technologies within India.
- Reducing Import Dependence: Aligned with the campaign “Garv se Swadeshi”, promoting home-grown solutions.
- Athlete Empowerment: Equip Indian athletes with world-class technology to compete internationally.
- Research Areas: Sports technology, biomechanics, sports engineering, injury prevention, and performance optimization.
- Inclusivity: Facilities and innovations will benefit both able-bodied and para-athletes.
- Knowledge Sharing: Enables collaboration between experts from SAI and IIT Delhi.
- Sports Lab Initiative: New labs will strengthen India’s sports science infrastructure.
Significance
- Strengthens the “Science + Sports” ecosystem in India.
- Reduces reliance on foreign sports technology.
- Improves athlete performance, well-being, and injury prevention.
- Supports India’s ambition to become a global sporting power.
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- Established: 1984; apex body for sports promotion in India.
- HQ: New Delhi
- Nodal Body under: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Manages: National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), National Coaching Scheme, Khelo India scheme.
NCSSR (National Centre of Sports Science Research)
- Works under SAI
- Focus: Sports science research, biomechanics, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and recovery science.
- Aim: Create scientific sports infrastructure in India.
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D)
- Established: 1961
- Status: Institute of Eminence
- Known for: Engineering, research, technology innovations.
- Location: Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
Key Facts
- Garv Se Swadeshi Campaign: Government initiative to promote indigenous manufacturing and innovation across sectors, especially under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
- NCSSR (National Centre of Sports Science Research): Functions under SAI to integrate sports science, sports medicine, and technology.
- Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
- Union Minister: Mansukh Mandaviya(as of 2025)
- Key Schemes: Khelo India, Fit India Movement, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
- TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme): Launched in 2014, provides specialized support to Olympic medal prospects.
- Khelo India Youth Games 2025: To be hosted by Tamil Nadu.
- India’s Sports Science Push: Increasing emphasis since 2016 Rio Olympics, where lack of sports science support was identified as a weakness.