Indian sports wrap, September 9: SAI, NCSSR and IIT Delhi sign MoU for wider use of sports science and innovation

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SAI, NCSSR and IIT Delhi sign MoU to give impetus to wider use of sports science and innovation in India

Under the guidance of Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to promote Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI’s) National Centre of Sports Science Research (NCSSR) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, to strengthen cooperation in the domains of sports sciences, advanced technology, and indigenous innovation.

The MoU will foster inter-institutional coordination and focus on the development of indigenous sports equipment, sports science devices, and cutting-edge technologies.

By minimising dependence on imported tools and embracing home-grown solutions, this initiative aligns with the Government of India’s campaign ‘Garv se Swadeshi’—particularly within the sports sector.

Speaking about the partnership, Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said, “This partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to integrating science and technology with sports to empower Indian athletes and ensure they are equipped to compete at the highest level internationally.

“Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi has advocated the use of Swadeshi products, and this partnership perfectly aligns with his vision.”

This collaboration is expected to:

• Facilitate high-quality research in sports science and engineering
• Promote innovation-driven projects for athlete performance enhancement
• Enable knowledge sharing between leading experts and institutions
• Contribute to injury prevention and athlete well-being

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Sports, MYAS and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. The MoU was signed by the NCSSR Director-cum-Head Brig. (Dr.) Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, on behalf of SAI and Prof. Ashwini K. Agrawal, Dean (R&D), on behalf of IIT Delhi.

Dignitaries present during the MoU signing ceremony were Prof. Deepak Joshi, Prof. Biswarup Mukherjee, Prof. K.K. Deepak, Prof. Anil Varma, Dean (International Programmes) and Prof. Neetu Singh, Head(CBME), all from IIT Delhi.

Coinciding with the MoU signing, Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Sports, MYAS, also inaugurated the newly-established Biomechanics Laboratory at IIT Delhi.

This facility is equipped to conduct advanced sports science assessments and biomechanical research. The lab will play a vital role in delivering scientific insights into athlete movement, optimising performance, and mitigating the risk of injuries.

FOOTBALL

CISCE and Bihar Seal Their Spots in the Subroto Cup Sub Junior Boys (U-15) Final

The semifinal stage of the 64th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, Sub Junior Boys (U-15), brought two lively contests in Bengaluru, as Minerva Public School (CISCE) and Vidyachal International School (Bihar) booked their places in the finale.

In the morning clash, Minerva Public School (CISCE) showed their all-round strength to overcome St. John High School (Jharkhand) 6-1. Bickson scored twice (3’, 50+2’) while Mahesh (8’), Kipgen (20’), Remoson (45’), and Haokip (50+3’) added to the tally. Jharkhand fought hard, and Ashish managed to score in the 48th minute, but Minerva’s sharp finishing proved decisive.

The evening match saw Vidyachal International School (Bihar) edge past River Side Natural School (Madhya Pradesh) 4-1 in another exciting contest. Bihar’s attack was well spread, with Rohit (18’), Prabhat (34’), Kunal (49’), and Shivam (50+2’) all on target.

Lokesh struck for Madhya Pradesh in stoppage time (50+3’), but it was too late to change the result.

With CISCE and Bihar advancing, the Sub Junior Boys (U-15) final promises a thrilling showdown on September 11th 2025, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

Both teams have shown great skill, energy, and balance on their way to the final, raising expectations for an intense finish to this leg of the prestigious tournament.

SQUASH

Chotrani, Chand, Akanksha, Tanvi move into quarters

Seeded Indians Veer Chotrani, Suraj Kumar Chand, Akanksha Salunkhe, and Tanvi Khanna moved into the quarterfinals of the HCL Squash Indian Tour 2, a PSA Challenger event, at the Otters Club in Mumbai.

Men’s top seed Chotrani, who received a bye in the opening round, put it past Sri Lanka’s Shamil Wakeel 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 in the pre-quarterfinals, while seventh seed Chand defeated Malaysia’s Md Hafiz Abdul Harif 11-6, 11-5, 11-7.

In the women’s pre-quarters, second seed Akanksha beat compatriot Janet Vidhi 11-4, 11-6, 11-3, while sixth seed Tanvi, who was runner-up in the first leg in Jaipur in August, rallied to beat Bobo Lam of Hong Kong 11-13, 10-12, 11-6, 11-4, 13-11.

– Team Sportstar

HOCKEY

Beighton Cup in November

The 126th edition of the Beighton Cup hockey tournament, one of the oldest field hockey competitions in the world, will be played at the newly-built hockey stadium inside the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium complex in Kolkata from November 8 to 16, according to an announcement made by Hockey Bengal.

– Team Sportstar

TENNIS

Ramkumar loses first round

Nishesh Basavareddy beat qualifier Ramkumar Ramanathan 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the $160,000 Challenger tennis tournament in Guangzhou, China.

– Kamesh Srinivasan

CRICKET

Arjun Tendulkar takes five-for

Fast bowlers Vidwath Kaverappa (3/21) and Abhilash Shetty (5/18) helped KSCA XI dismiss Madhya Pradesh CA for 162 on the opening day of their KSCA-Dr. (Capt.) K. Thimmappiah Memorial tournament at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

In reply, KSCA moved to 38 for two.

At BGS ground, Atharva Taide (170, 264b, 17×4, 5×6) powered Vidarbha CA to 320 for four against KSCA President’s XI.

Arjun Tendulkar, son of former India captain Sachin Tendulkar, picked up five wickets for Goa CA. The left-arm fast bowler took five for 36 as Maharashtra CA was bundled out for 136 at Alur (2). Goa CA, riding on Abhinav Tejrana’s 77, took the first innings lead.

– Ashwin Achal

GOLF

IGPL Tour ready to kick off

The first tournament of the IGPL Tour, offering a cash prize of Rs.1.5 crore, in a field of 54 players, men and women, will be played at the Chandigarh Golf Club from Wednesday.

All the players will be assured a part of the prize money, as the event will be played without a cut over three rounds.

While the leading star, Gaganjeet Bhullar expressed excitement to be playing at home, after donating $100,000 for flood relief in Punjab from his Foundation, the CEO of IGPL, Uttam Singh Mundy was delighted to be at the start.

“This is not just a golf tour, it is a celebration of the sport, with entertainment, lifestyle and growth at its core. We are developing academies, driving ranges, and grassroots programs,” said Mundy.

Gaurav Ghei, C Muniyappa, Chiragh Kumar, amateurs Kartik Singh and Veer Ganapathy who turn professional this week, will be part of the first event.

Harjai Milkha Singh and Zorawar Randhawa, sons of Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa, will be part of the event.

The field will have 10 women, including Amandeep Drall, Neha Tripathi, Seher Atwal, Jasmine Shekar, Vidhatri Urs, Heena Kang and Mannat Brar.

“The format of guys and girls playing together gives an opportunity for us to make good money and learn as a player,” said Neha Tripathi.

– Kamesh Srinivasan

Published on Sep 09, 2025