Integrating Technology And Hands-On Training: The Future Of Sports Education In India

The first-ever Sports Tech Conclave in India conducted by IIT Madras in association with Outlook Business featured a panel discussion on integration of technology in sports education. The event involved other experts in the field such as Dr. Colonel Anup Krishnan, Director of DY Patil University, School of Sports Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Dr. G Kishore, Principal and Regional Head of LNCPE Trivandrum, Nilesh Kulkarni, the Founder Director of the Indian Institute of Sport Management (IISM), and Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula of IIT Chennai moderating the discussion.

The panel, which lasted for 45 minutes, discussed the need for e-learning, sporting technology and distance learning in addressing increased demand of sports education in the country. Dr. Anup Krishnan pointed out that, although there are some areas of sports science in which all pedagogical methods could be taught online, many of the skills can only be developed offline. “Activities such as three dimensional motion analysis or anti-doping measures require at least a part of the training to be done offline in the research lab or in the field,” he suggested. He stressed that most skills in sports science, particularly those related to elite athletes, cannot be fully conveyed through video or audio (online) content alone.

In response to a question about how the industry can expand training for more students, Dr. Krishnan recommended a blended learning solution. He advised that students should first finish their graduation in an associated science discipline and then get into a specialized course in sports science online. This approach, he argued, would allow for a more efficient and scalable education model, while still providing the necessary offline training for complex skills.

Dr. G. Kishore discussed his journey at Lakshmibai National College Of Physical Education (LNCPE) and the use of technology during the COVID 19, at the institute. “We had to switch to e-learning due to the pandemic and launched a digital platform with the help of international universities. The platform provides structured courses from the basic to the advanced levels and got an overwhelming response with about 30,000 registrations,” he added. He expressed optimism that collaboration with IIT Madras would bring about significant changes in the field of physical education in India.

Nilesh Kulkarni, a former cricketer and founder of Indian Institute of Sports Management (IISM), spoke about the emergence of sports management as a crucial field in India, especially after the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL). “Sports offers an ocean of opportunities,” Kulkarni stated. He highlighted the importance of a combination of classroom and digital learning in sports management, emphasizing that students need to experience the pressures and challenges of the sports industry first-hand.

The need to enhance physical activities among school-going children was also under discussion. Dr. Krishnan cited the Australian model, where sports scientists test schoolchildren and recommend compulsory participation in selected sports. He suggested that India could benefit from a similar approach to enhance physical education.

Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula supported the implementation of sports in the curriculum as essential for development: ‘Sport shows you how to lose, how to follow rules, and respect authority; it is very useful.’ He also pointed to the SWAYAM program of the Ministry of Education which aims to make learning more accessible through digital platforms.

The panel concluded with a shared vision that technology-enabled learning, combined with hands-on training, is essential for the future of sports education in India. The experts agreed that while e-learning platforms are a valuable tool, they must be complemented with practical experiences to truly prepare the next generation of sports professionals.

Speaking in unison, the panel opined that technology integrated learning along with practical experience holds the key for the development of sports education in the years to come for India.

The integration of technology with practical knowledge is again important for the development of sports science in India. Although e-learning has many advantages such as scalability and accessibility, it is important to incorporate practical experiences in order to prepare students for the constantly evolving sports industry. As India continues to evolve in this space, such integration will be key to nurturing the next generation of sports leaders.