In a first of its kind, a Sports Science workshop in line with ‘Vision 2047’ was conducted for Indian professional match officials in Mumbai on Monday, May 22, 2023.
The workshop was held under the guidance of Sports Science expert Dr Sandeep Kumar of the All India Football Federation. Dr Kumar discussed various topics that would aid in enhancing physical fitness and improving short dynamic sprints. Other topics like strength and conditioning, recovery protocols, diet and nutrition, body composition, specific training plans, metabolism, circadian rhythm and supplements were also dealt with elaborately by him.
The match officials are currently in Mumbai to officiate in the Next Gen Cup. The development squads of three English Premier League clubs, four Indian clubs and one South African club are competing in the tournament.
The Chief Refereeing Officer of the AIFF, Trevor Kettle, said: “I would like to pass on my sincere gratitude for the support Dr Sandeep provided to professional match officials with their introduction to the various sports science topics; this enhanced the match officials’ imagination and desire to drive their own personal performance forward. I have personally witnessed the benefits of sports science during my refereeing career, especially for development of increasing performance, longevity and injury prevention. I congratulate Dr Sandeep for the great job he did.”