The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Safdarjung Sports Injury Centre (SIC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in sports science, sports medicine, athlete rehabilitation, research, innovation, education, and capacity building. SAI falls under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), while SIC operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW). This MoU aims to merge the expertise, infrastructure, and scientific capabilities of both entities to offer comprehensive support to Indian athletes and support staff.
The collaboration will focus on promoting evidence-based sports science and medical practices, enabling multidisciplinary research, reinforcing athlete injury prevention and rehabilitation, and improving performance through scientific interventions. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Rao emphasized the importance of integrating sports science and sports medicine for the future of high-performance sports. He highlighted that this partnership will foster collaborative research, scientific innovation, athlete monitoring, and rehabilitation, contributing to establishing a world-class support system for Indian athletes. Salila emphasized the crucial role of sports medicine and sports science in athlete health and performance, underscoring the commitment of both Ministries to integrate medical excellence with sports science expertise.
Brig. Nayak mentioned that the collaboration will facilitate multidisciplinary research, standardized clinical and sports science protocols, knowledge exchange, and advanced athlete support services. He expressed confidence that the partnership will lead to sustainable scientific solutions, translating into enhanced athlete performance and long-term health. Prof. Joshi also emphasized that the partnership will bolster research, education, rehabilitation, and evidence-based sports medicine for the benefit of athletes nationwide.
This MoU signifies a significant step in institutional collaboration between two prominent organizations in sports science and sports medicine in India. Aligned with the Government of India’s vision, this collaboration aims to build a scientifically advanced, athlete-centric, and globally competitive sports ecosystem. It supports initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), aligning with India’s aspiration to become a leading sporting nation by 2047. By promoting research, innovation, capacity building, and evidence-based athlete care, this partnership is expected to strengthen India’s high-performance system and enhance readiness for future international competitions, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
