Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: While rigorous training is an essential part of any sportsperson’s life, renowned orthopedic surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist of India Dr. Anant Joshi, emphasizes that adequate rest is just as crucial for long-term fitness.
Dr. Joshi, who has been associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since the era of Kapil Dev and played a pivotal role in managing Sachin Tendulkar’s injuries throughout his career, shared valuable insights during an event on Friday evening.
He praised Tendulkar’s commitment to fitness, stating, “Sachin always understood his body and made every effort to stay fit. He was always ready to follow whatever was necessary for his fitness.”
With over 30 years of experience in treating sports-related injuries, Dr. Joshi, believes that proper workload management and rest are fundamental to maintaining a sportsperson’s physical condition. He expressed concern that many modern players are neglecting these aspects, leading to frequent injuries and stints on the sidelines.
Dr. Joshi, the Medical Director for ICC World Cup 2011, highlighted the challenges faced by fast bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who have suffered from injuries and missed important competitions. “Fast bowlers face immense workload due to the packed schedule of modern cricket, with multiple formats. This has led to a significant increase in injuries. The solution lies in managing the workload and ensuring sufficient rest,” he explained.
The orthopedic surgeon, who is now the Director of Coras Pratiksha Orthopedic Hospital and regularly visits in Guwahati, also noted significant progress in the availability of sports science-based treatment facilities in the Northeast. “I’ve been visiting the region for over a decade, and I can confidently say that the facilities available now are far superior to what was available earlier. Athletes from the Northeast once had to travel to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai for treatment, but now everything they need is available right here,” he said.
Dr. Joshi also pointed out the advantage athletes from the Northeast have due to the region’s hilly terrain. “Training at higher altitudes provides athletes with a natural edge because they have to work harder with less oxygen. This gives them a competitive advantage. During my time with the Sports Authority of India, I visited many training camps and was consistently impressed by the fitness levels of athletes from this region. I even recommended setting up training camps in North East,” he said.
On injury prevention, Dr. Joshi shared several key tips for athletes. “Training should be free from distractions—no headphones while running on a treadmill. This might seem harmless, but it can lead to injuries. Balance in training is essential; focusing too much on one part of the body can lead to overuse and flexibility issues, increasing the risk of injury. Overtraining can also negatively impact performance, so it’s crucial to take adequate rest. Athletes often get injured towards the end of training or a match because the body can no longer handle the same intensity as at the start. It’s important to avoid over-enthusiasm during these phases.”
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