Oz scientists conduct clinic for Punjab’s coaches

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 28

A year after the Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) had signed an MoU with Australia’s Victoria University, two of the university’s top sports scientists have landed in Punjab to conduct a clinic for the state’s coaches.

In the first clinic after the MoU, the university has sent two of its senior-most scientists — Damian Farrow, who specialises in skill acquisition and rectification, and Jason Berry, who specialises in skill acquisition and methods of training. Accompanying them is Shruti Bhandurge, who has a BSc (Hon) in biomechanics and is currently doing research with Tennis Australia. 

The 10-day clinic, which started on Sunday, is being organised at the International Hockey Stadium in Mohali; 40 coaches from various disciplines are attending the clinic. The first clinic will mainly be about how to teach the basics to young beginners.

Former national hockey captain Pargat Singh came to see most of Tuesday’s evening session, also meeting the three sports scientists. “This is a great opportunity for our coaches to learn from the best. Punjab has a lot of potential, and by using scientific methods, our coaches can best develop the enormous talent,” said Singh, who is a sitting MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment.

MoU with Australia’s Victoria University

Victoria University’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) is one of the leading research institutes in the world. The Melbourne-based university is a knowledge partner with the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS), the leading institute in the country. 

Under the MoU signed between the university and PIS, ISEAL and AIS will help develop a long-term athlete development program, which includes physical, technical and tactical improvement of an athlete using scientific methods. ISEAL and AIS will regularly send coaches and sports scientists to organise clinics for the state’s coaches and trainers.