Insightful Discussions on Nutrition and Athlete Health Lead Day 4 of National Sports Vision Conclave at 38th National Games

Dehradun: The National Sports Vision Conclave continued its insightful discussions on Day 4 at the 38th National Games. The sessions highlighted key aspects of sports nutrition, athlete development, and the challenges faced by athletes behind the scenes. The engaging discussions featured experts from the fields of nutrition, sports broadcasting, and athletic performance.

Session 1: Advanced Sports Nutrition for Peak Performance

The first session of the day focused on “Advanced Sports Nutrition for Peak Performance,” presented by Dr. Kommi Kalpana, Professor of Nutrition. The session aimed to address the critical role of nutrition in improving performance, recovery, and mental well-being for athletes.

Dr. Kalpana discussed key topics, including sports nutrition goals such as enhancing performance, aiding better recovery, and reducing psychological stress. She highlighted common nutrition challenges faced by sports persons, including weight management, sleep and recovery, and inflammation-related injuries. Dr. Kalpana stressed the importance of energy requirements and the role of carbohydrates in achieving sports nutrition goals.

She also emphasized the significant issue of iron deficiency, especially among female athletes, and encouraged adolescent boys and girls to focus on growth and development, while avoiding junk foods. Dr. Kalpana advised that occasional cheat meals are acceptable, but regular consumption of seasonal foods and drinking at least 10 liters of water daily should be part of every athlete’s routine.

Shri Sujeet Maan, a renowned figure in the world of wrestling from Haryana, also shared his insights during this session. He spoke about the importance of nutrition knowledge and the role it plays in achieving athletic success. “In Haryana, wrestling is everything, and simple ingredients like green chilies and turmeric were integral to our meals. Kids today need more confidence, and every child should participate in some form of sport,” he remarked.

Session 2: Being an Athlete: Behind the Gold and Glam

The second session of the day, titled “Being an Athlete: Behind the Gold and Glam,” featured Olympian Anjum Moudgil and sports broadcaster Aneesha Ghosh. The conversation delved into the mindset and experiences of athletes, shedding light on the dedication and sacrifices that come with the pursuit of gold.

Anjum Moudgil, a Commonwealth Games medalist, shared her personal journey of training and competition. She discussed the mental challenges she faced, particularly during the Paris Olympics when she had to adjust to adverse conditions and remain calm under pressure. “Self-motivation was key for me. I would criticize myself to perform better and learn how to manage social media criticism,” she revealed.

Aneesha Ghosh added to the discussion by emphasizing the importance of parents fostering a supportive environment for their children, rather than focusing solely on winning medals. “It’s not just about the medal; it’s about developing as an athlete and learning from challenges. Social media criticism can be overwhelming, but as athletes, we must remember we are working for ourselves, our families, and our country,” she stated.

Anjum also shared her experiences of handling stress, including taking a two-month break to reconnect with herself through activities like paragliding and painting, which ultimately helped her return to her sport with a refreshed perspective. She emphasized the need for athletes to balance their personal lives with their training and to ensure they make time for self-care, family, and other interests.

On Day 4 of the National Sports Vision Conclave, participants explored the complexities of sports nutrition and the challenges athletes face. The Conclave continues to inspire all involved in sports to strive for excellence both on and off the field.