Sports Authority, IIT sign MoU

The Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Sports Science Research (NCSSR) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in sports sciences, advanced technology and indigenous innovation.

The collaboration will focus on developing indigenous sports equipment, sports science devices, and cutting-edge technologies.

Speaking about the partnership, Union Sports Minister Manuskh 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 Prime Minister has advocated the use of swadeshi products, and this partnership perfectly aligns with his vision.”

The MoU was signed in the presence of Secretary, Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hari Ranjan Rao, and Director of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Prof Rangan Banerjee.

Coinciding with the signing, Rao inaugurated the newly-established Sports Biomechanics Laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT, Delhi. The facility is designed to conduct advanced sports science assessments and biomechanical research, providing insights into athlete movement, optimising performance and reducing injury risks.

Rao said, “At its core, this collaboration aims to foster cutting-edge research and innovation in the areas of sports technology and biomechanics. We envision this partnership as a catalyst in supporting India’s high-performance athletes — through evidence-based training methodologies, performance analytics, and technology-driven solutions that are essential in today’s competitive sporting landscape.”

Prof Banerjee said, “We are excited about the potential for working together with the SAI. We believe that our institute has significant competence in biomechanics, sensors, assistive technologies and AI, and hope to create an impact in sports science and technology.”