Chennai, October 5, 2024: Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) recently hosted a successful panel discussion titled “Road to Brisbane 2032: Elevating National Performance in Future Olympics,” which focused on strategies to enhance India’s performance in future Olympic Games. During the event, the university awarded ₹5,00,000 to Padma Shri P.R. Sreejesh for inspiring young talents and his outstanding contribution to elevating Indian sports on the global stage.
The panel brought together a distinguished group of experts from various fields of sports and athletics including Dr. Samuel Pullinger, Ph.D. CSci, Head of Sport Science and Head of the Research and Ethics Committee at JSW Sports; Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee, Padma Shri P.R. Sreejesh: Olympic Champion and former hockey goalkeeper, fondly known as the great wall of Indian Hockey; Dr. G. Kishore, Principal and Regional Head of Sports Authority of India LNCPE Thiruvananthapuram and Mr. Indranell Das: Sports Journalist from The New Indian Express. Dr. Sumanth C Raman, the Moderator is a renowned Television Anchor, Political Analyst, Author and Sports Commentator.
The event was graced by the institution’s esteemed leadership, with Dr. Ashok Verghese, Pro Chancellor of HITS, presiding over the ceremony. Also present were Col. (Hon.) Dr. S.N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor of HITS, the Dean of Sports, and other key HITS officials.
A key point of discussion was India’s performance in the recent Summer Olympics. Dr. Sumanth C Raman, the panel moderator, highlighted the nation’s historically dismal performance in these events. “Despite being the world’s second-most populous country, India’s medal tally in the Summer Olympics has been disappointingly low,” Raman noted. “This underperformance underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of our sports infrastructure, training methodologies, and athlete support systems.”
Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee, Padma Shri P.R. Sreejesh, Olympic champion and former goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team, provided invaluable insights from an athlete’s perspective. “The journey to Olympic success is fraught with challenges that go beyond just physical training,” Sreejesh explained. “Many of our athletes face financial constraints, lack of world-class training facilities, and insufficient exposure to international competition. Moreover, there’s often inadequate mental health support and career security, which can significantly impact an athlete’s performance at the highest level.”
Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chancellor of HITS, emphasized the institution’s commitment to sports excellence: “At HITS, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. Our focus on sports excellence is not just about producing elite athletes, but about instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in all our students. This panel discussion is a testament to our dedication to advancing sports science and performance in India.”
At HITS, education goes beyond the classroom, as the visionary Chancellor, Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, actively promotes sports programs and activities in shaping well-rounded leaders. Recognizing that physical fitness and teamwork are as important as academic excellence, the university places significant emphasis on sports as a key pillar in its student development strategy. Under Dr. Anand’s leadership, HITS has not only built world-class sports infrastructure but has also launched sports programs and merit-based scholarships for outstanding athletes. The goal is to identify and nurture talent, giving students the opportunity to pursue sports at a professional level while completing their education.
The Chancellor’s vision has been instrumental in developing state-of-the-art sports facilities on campus and implementing programs that encourage students to participate in various sports alongside their academic pursuits. Numerous sports programs including B.Sc. in Physical Education, Master of Sports Management and Strength Conditioning Diploma are offered to students who want to pursue their passion in Sports. HITS has also consistently produced notable athletes who have represented the institution at national and international levels.
Dr. Samuel Pullinger, representing JSW Sports, a leading sports organization aimed at elevating India’s sporting culture, offered a unique scientific perspective on improving athletic performance. “At JSW Sports, we’re leveraging cutting-edge sports science to bridge the gap between Indian athletes and their international counterparts,” Dr. Pullinger explained. “Our research shows that a data-driven approach to training, recovery, and performance analysis can significantly enhance an athlete’s capabilities.”
Dr. Pullinger emphasized the importance of individualized training programs and the role of technology in modern sports: “Integrating technologies like AI-driven performance analysis, virtual reality training systems, and advanced wearables can provide our athletes with a competitive edge. These tools not only enhance training efficiency but also offer invaluable insights that can make the difference between winning and losing at the Olympic level.”
Dr. Kishore emphasized the need for a holistic approach to athlete development. “To compete with the world’s best, we need a system that nurtures athletes from a young age, provides them with state-of-the-art training facilities, ensures financial stability, and offers comprehensive psychological support. Only then can we expect our athletes to perform consistently at the Olympic level,” he added.
These esteemed panelists engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on crucial topics including strategic athlete development programs, cutting-edge sports science innovations and lessons learned from past Olympic performances. The panelists explored various factors contributing to this underperformance and proposed strategies for improvement, setting the tone for a frank and productive dialogue about the future of Indian sports. The event was well-attended by students, faculty, and sports enthusiasts.
The discussion was a phenomenal success and provided the HITS community with invaluable insights from leading figures in the world of sports. The dialogue that took place will hopefully contribute to our national strategy for Olympic success as we look ahead to Brisbane 2032. It also reinforces our university’s commitment to being at the forefront of sports education and development in India.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia, sports authorities, and athletes in elevating national performance on the global stage.