IBNS-CMEDIA/Glassgow: As India’s athletes chase medals at the Commonwealth Games, a team of doctors and physiotherapists is working behind the scenes to keep competitors fit, manage injuries and ensure they remain ready to perform throughout the event.
The Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) medical team, led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, has been providing medical care, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and recovery support since the Indian contingent arrived in Scotland.
The team includes physiotherapists Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das, who have been treating athletes before competition, managing minor injuries and overseeing recovery sessions during the Games.
“It is a wonderful journey as my team… is working with the athletes even before the Games began,” Pardiwala said. “It is reassuring when team managers come and tell me our presence is reassuring and adds value.”
Unlike previous editions of the Games, Glasgow does not have a central athletes’ village, with the Indian contingent spread across three hotels.
To address the logistical challenge, the IOA has established its main treatment centre at the Mercure Hotel while deploying medical personnel across all accommodation sites to provide immediate assistance.
The medical team also supports sports without dedicated doctors or physiotherapists, including swimming and gymnastics, while larger contingents such as athletics have their own medical staff.
Pardiwala said the team’s greatest satisfaction comes from helping athletes recover after demanding training sessions and competition.
“To see the smile on the faces of athletes is a joy, for they have had a hard day at work,” he said.
The IOA said recovery protocols, physiotherapy and sports science have become increasingly important in elite sport, particularly during multi-sport events where athletes compete on successive days.
While medals dominate headlines, the association said podium finishes also reflect the work of coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, team managers and logistics staff supporting athletes throughout the Games.
