Empowering Arunachal Pradesh’s Elite Athletes: Directorate of Sports and GoSports Foundation Conduct Successful Workshop
Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh – The Directorate of Sports, in collaboration with the GoSports Foundation, successfully organized a two-day education workshop from 13th to 14th June 2023 to support athletes enrolled in the Arunachal Pradesh Elite Development Programme. This initiative, launched in 2020, aims to foster the holistic growth of athletes from Arunachal Pradesh and nurture their potential to become future Olympians and international athletes.
The workshop commenced on the 13th of June with an enthusiastic gathering of aspiring athletes from the program. The athletes were warmly welcomed by the GoSports Foundation’s team, who emphasized the program’s significance in shaping the future of sports in the state. The athletes were praised for their commitment and dedication to their chosen sports.
During the workshop, Ms. Divya Purushottam, a Nutritionist Expert, and Mr. Bhaskar Borah, an S&C Expert, conducted physical tests such as body composition analysis and power breath tests. Additionally, they led strength and conditioning sessions, including sports-specific drills and power-generating techniques. These activities were designed to evaluate the athletes’ fitness levels and identify areas for improvement. Customized training programs were created for each athlete, focusing on strength, endurance, agility, and overall physical conditioning. The athletes actively participated in these sessions, recognizing the importance of proper conditioning in achieving their sporting goals.
On the 14th of June, the workshop continued with a session led by the nutritionist, who discussed the results of the body composition analysis and power breath tests with each athlete individually. She highlighted the role of a well-balanced diet in an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. Valuable insights were provided regarding proper nutrition, meal planning, and strategies to optimize energy levels and recovery. The athletes engaged actively, gaining valuable knowledge on maintaining peak physical health through appropriate dietary practices. Simultaneously, the S&C trainer conducted personalized training sessions with the athletes, aiming to understand their physical abilities and educate them on recovery and injury prevention specific to their respective sports.
During the workshop, Shri Tadar Appa, Director of Sports, AP, felicitated several athletes supported under the Elite Athlete Development Program for their exceptional performances in the FY 2022-23. The awarded athletes and their accomplishments include Golom Tinku (Weightlifting) – 61kg category; Bronze Medal in Youth Asian Championship 2023; Albenia Youth Nationals 2022, Nagercoil; Gold medal, Charu Pesi (Weightlifting) – 61kg category; 36th National Games, Gujarat 2023; Gold Medal, and Onilu Tega (Wushu) – 51kg category; 36th National Games, Gujarat 2023; Gold Medal Khelo India University Games, 2023, Madhya Pradesh; Gold medal Wushu Senior National Championship, Srinagar, 2023; Gold.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Tadar Appa expressed the government’s unwavering support for the development of sports in Arunachal Pradesh. He reiterated the government’s commitment to uplifting the state’s sporting ecosystem and creating Olympians and international athletes from the region. The government pledged financial assistance and training support to nurture and empower athletes across various sports categories. Shri Tadar Appa emphasized that the program, implemented by the GoSports Foundation, aims to bridge gaps between academies and athletes by providing interventions to help athletes reach their full potential.
The Director of Sports expressed his satisfaction with the successful execution of the two-day workshop and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing world-class training and support to athletes. The workshop’s comprehensive approach, focusing on nutrition and strength & conditioning, has laid a strong foundation for the athlete development program. It has further strengthened the government’s determination to create a conducive environment for sporting excellence in Arunachal Pradesh.
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, expressed her happiness to be the implementation partner for this unique initiative in Arunachal Pradesh. The foundation shares the mission and belief of creating the state’s first Olympian in the upcoming Olympic cycles. The education workshop was seen as an important component of the athletes’ overall growth, empowering them with knowledge and skills to overcome challenges and make informed decisions. By enhancing athletic performance and fostering holistic development, the workshop aims to shape well-rounded individuals.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh and GoSports Foundation are confident that this collaborative effort will elevate the sporting landscape of the state. Additionally, they are eager to support more abled and specially-abled athletes across different sports through the Elite Athlete Development Program. With a focus on nurturing talent, the government and the Directorate of Sports strive to provide interventions and opportunities for athletes to fulfill their potential and achieve sporting excellence.
