SSI Sports Science Conclave

SSI conducts Odisha’s first Sports Science Conclave at Kalinga Stadium.
Sports Science India (SSI), a multidisciplinary sports medicine and
rehabilitation centre, organised Odisha’s first sports science conclave at
Kalinga Stadium in the capital city here today.

The event titled ‘SSI Sports Science Conclave Odisha, 2023–Exploring the
science in sports’ brought together the best of two worlds–Sports and
Medicine (Science)—under the same roof.
Brigadier IS Panjrath (Sena Medal), Commandant, Army AD Centre at
Gopalpur, graced the occasion as chief guest. The day-long conclave featured
sessions on injury prevention, sports science, rehabilitation and recovery.

Several sports science experts and doctors from across the country participated in the conclave.
The speakers delivered on topics ranging from role of biomechanics for peak athletic performance,
heart rate and its better application for sports performance, and strength and conditioning.
A panel discussion was held on sports science in India and the road ahead, where panellists
comprising football legend Padmashri Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, founder of Ardor Football Academy
JD Mohapatra, former Cricketer Rajiv Seth and sports communicator and journalist G Rajaram
expressed their views on various aspects of sports science and its usefulness for athletes.

“The aim of this conclave was to generate awareness on sports science. Performance backed by
science is the need of the hour. Our athletes must know how to reduce chances of injury,
which can cut short their career. We are trying our best to make sportspersons and other sports
related professionals aware of the advanced technologies and methodologies adapted in the
western countries to boost performances on the field,” said SSI Founder Dr Sarthak Patnaik.

SSI Sports Awards ceremony was also held on the side-lines of the conclave. Several sports
personalities and teams were felicitated on the occasion.

• The SSI Karna Award for best sportsperson of the year was given to ace sprinter Srabani Nanda.
• The Paika Team Award was conferred on Odisha women’s football team.
• International cyclist Swasti Singh was honoured with the SSI Emerging Player’s Award.
• Hockey India president and former captain of Indian hockey team, Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey and former Indian football team captain and ace goalkeeper Padma Shri Brahmanand Sankhwalkar were honoured with the SSI Lifetime Achievement Awards.
• Milkha Singh Sprint Champion Award (Male) was given to Services Sprinter, Manikanta Hoblidhar.
• SSI Coach Award was given to Khelo India excellence centre coach, Ram Bahadur Subba.
• Ardor Academy of Jayadev Mohapatra bagged the SSI Dilip Tirkey Grassroots Award for sports promotion at the grassroots level.
• Veteran journalist Sanatan Pani got the SSI Sports Journalism Award, and
• Odisha Mining Corporation bagged the SSI Sports Development Award.

Speaking about SSI Sports Awards, Dr Sarthak Patnaik said, “Very few awards have been
instituted in our country for coaches or to recognize the efforts of grassroot level sports
promotion. But, we have instituted two unique award categories for coaches and grassroot
sports. Besides, the Karna award is very special as it is a tribute to the valour and vigour of
Karna, the son of Surya, an accomplished warrior of extraordinary abilities in Mahabharata.”