KCLAS organises two-day National Conference on Sports Science

Senthilkumar Rajappan is the Founder Blogger of YourCoimbatore.com, He is…
The two-day National Conference on Sports Science (NCSS 2.0) organised by School of Sports Science, Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science (KCLAS) was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Wayne Lombard, Founder, APA Training Systems, South Africa on Monday.
In her welcome address, Dr. Vijila Edwin Kennedy, Principal of KCLAS, emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering a robust sports ecosystem. She highlighted the visionary leadership of Sri Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions, who has championed sports through extensive infrastructure, scholarships, and academic programs. His dedication has led to the establishment of a B.Sc. Sports Science program, integrating scientific principles with athletic development.
With over 15 expert speakers and numerous participants from across India, the conclave aims to shape the future of sports science education and research in India. The two-day event will include keynote talks, debates, and interactive sessions. This conclave aims to mainstream sports science education, promote research and analytics, and advocate for policy-level changes to enhance sports development in India.
Presidential Address by Shri Shankar Vanavarayar:
Addressing a distinguished gathering of sports scientists, professionals, and young sports enthusiasts, he underscored the vital role of sports science in shaping the future of Indian athletics and national well-being.
He noted that while educational institutions often emphasize intellectual dynamism, sports science brings together both mental and physical agility, reinforcing the alignment of body and mind.
Shri Shankar Vanavarayar emphasized that India, being the world’s most populous nation with the highest number of young people, must prioritize per capita health alongside economic growth. He acknowledged the growing recognition of sports science, technology, and analytics in the country, fuelled by corporate investments, government initiatives, and increasing parental support for sports-related careers.
Reflecting on global trends, he highlighted how leading nations have consistently prioritized physical fitness and well-being, reinforcing the need for India to integrate sports science into national policy. With advancements in technology, nutrition, physiotherapy, and sports analytics, the sector is no longer a vertical but a thriving horizontal industry with immense potential.
He envisioned Coimbatore evolving into a hub for sports technology and science in the coming years, leveraging its strengths in entrepreneurship, education, and medical sciences. Encouraging participants to network, collaborate, and innovate, he reiterated Kumaraguru’s commitment to advancing sports science, shaping future champions, and contributing to a healthier, more dynamic India.
Keynote Address by the Chief Guest: Dr. Wayne Lombard, Founder, APA Training Systems, South Africa:
Dr. Lombard emphasized the pivotal role of sports science in shaping the future of athletic performance and resilience, offering valuable insights from his extensive experience working with elite athletes across the globe.
Reflecting on his own journey, he shared how his dream of working with top-tier athletes took him from university lecture halls to training fields, research laboratories, and ultimately, the grand stage of the Olympics. His experiences with elite athletes, including those in the Indian women’s hockey team, provided a wealth of lessons on the importance of both data-driven science and the human element of sports performance.
No textbook, he noted, can fully prepare professionals for the complexities of working with individuals who carry dreams, hopes, and fears onto the playing field. Highlighting the highs and lows of elite sports, Dr. Lombard recounted the exhilarating moments of witnessing athletes achieve their lifelong dreams at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. However, he also acknowledged the challenges, such as career-threatening injuries that require immense mental and physical resilience. He described the emotional toll that setbacks take not only on athletes but also on the support staff, who bear the weight of expectations from coaches, sponsors, and the media.
Dr. Lombard addressed the misconception that success in elite sports is solely measured by medals. He reminded the audience that out of the 10,500 Olympians who compete, only 0.1% win medals. However, the true victory lies in the dedication, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated by all athletes. He urged aspiring sports scientists to appreciate the unseen triumphs of these athletes and recognize the immense effort that goes into every performance, regardless of the outcome.
For young professionals entering the field, Dr. Lombard offered key lessons: never stop learning, develop effective communication skills, build trust-based relationships with athletes, and embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth. He encouraged students to seek mentorship, referencing Sir Isaac Newton’s quote about standing on the shoulders of giants, and emphasized the importance of remaining humble and open-minded.
Reflecting on the evolution of sports science, he noted the shift from traditional fitness-based approaches to a more integrated and technology-driven methodology. High-performance institutes today serve as comprehensive support systems, utilizing tools such as GPS trackers, force plates, and wearable sensors to optimize training and recovery. He predicted that artificial intelligence and machine learning will further revolutionize sports science, allowing for predictive analytics in injury prevention and real-time training adjustments.
Despite these advancements, Dr. Lombard emphasized that technology can never replace the human connection in coaching and athlete development. The art of understanding motivation, behavior, and mental resilience will always be at the core of sports performance.
He concluded with a powerful message about embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with working in elite sports. Success, he noted, is a collective effort, and maintaining strong personal and professional support systems is essential. Encouraging young sports scientists to pursue their passion with resilience and determination, he expressed optimism about the bright future of sports science in India and beyond.
Dr. Lombard’s address left the audience inspired, reinforcing the importance of sports science in shaping the future of athletics and setting new standards of excellence in the field.
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Senthilkumar Rajappan is the Founder Blogger of YourCoimbatore.com, He is a digital marketing strategist , a start up mentor and loves speaking on entrepreneurship. Loves blogging on auto, tech and books. Also has a personal website www.rsenthilkumar.com