The Future of Indian Sport: Balancing Technology with Human Judgement
In a rapidly evolving sports landscape, India is poised to leverage cutting-edge technology to gain a competitive edge. However, as experts gathered at the TOI’s SFI Expo 2026, it became clear that while artificial intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool, human judgement must remain at the heart of Indian sport.
From Labs to Training Fields: The Integration of Sports Science
Brigadier Dr Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Director at the National Centre for Sports Science and Research, highlighted the significance of sports science in Indian sport. “We’ve moved beyond recognising the importance of sports science,” he said. “Now, we’re entering the complex integration phase.” This phase involves not only providing scientific support to elite national camps but also expanding it to grassroots levels. Nayak emphasized the need for a holistic approach, encompassing manpower, equipment, and protocols.
The High-Risk Zone: Preventing Injuries with Science
Dr Kenjom Ngomdir, CMO (SG) and Commandant (Medical), CRPF, shed light on the common causes of injuries in sports. “Athletes often push themselves too hard, too soon, and neglect recovery,” he warned. To mitigate this, Ngomdir advocated for the integration of science into training programmes at the grassroots level. This would enable athletes to develop healthy habits and reduce the risk of injuries.
The Limitations of Wearable Devices
Kalpesh Randad, Director of Medevice Healthtech, cautioned that wearable devices and monitoring platforms, while useful, only provide part of the picture. “In high-performance sports, you’re not looking for averages, but outliers,” he said. Randad stressed that technology should be used to upgrade and support human judgement, not replace it.
The Importance of Human Judgement
Brigadier Nayak echoed Randad’s sentiments, emphasizing that no existing technology can predict with certainty when an athlete will suffer an injury. “Technology should be used to upgrade, not replace athletes, coaches, or human judgement,” he said. “It must also not compromise an athlete’s privacy.” This nuanced approach acknowledges the limitations of technology and the importance of human intuition in decision-making.
Integration from Grassroots to Elite Sport
Randad and Nayak concurred that integration from grassroots to elite sport is essential for India’s sporting success. This involves coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, and other experts interpreting data collectively and keeping the athlete at the centre of every decision. By striking a balance between technology and human judgement, Indian sport can harness the benefits of AI while preserving the essence of human endeavour.
Athletes at the Heart of Every Decision
As Indian sport continues to evolve, it’s clear that the next competitive advantage lies not merely on the training field but in the integration of technology, science, and human judgement. By prioritizing the athlete’s well-being and safety, India can build a robust sporting ecosystem that produces world-class athletes and champions. As the TOI’s SFI Expo 2026 demonstrated, the future of Indian sport is bright, and it’s being shaped by a harmonious blend of technology and human ingenuity.