Sports Biomechanics Laboratory inaugurated at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi

New Delhi: The Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Sports Science Research (NCSSR) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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.

Speaking about the partnership, Union Sports Minister Dr. 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 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 on August 9, 2025, in the presence of Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS), and Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. The MoU was signed by 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. The dignitaries present during the MoU signing ceremony were Prof. Deepak Joshi, Prof. Biswarup Mukherjee, Prof. K.K. Deepak, Prof. Anil Varma, Dean (International Programs), 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 Sports Biomechanics Laboratory at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, 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, optimizing performance, and mitigating the risk of injuries.

The lab aims to strengthen India’s sports science infrastructure and foster innovation to support both able-bodied and para-athletes, a significant stride towards promoting inclusivity.

Speaking about the MoU with IIT Delhi, Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, 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.”

At the inauguration of the Biomechanics Lab, Shri. Rao further remarked that “I see this lab as a national resource—one that can benefit not only elite athletes but also coaches, physiotherapists, sports federations, and academic researchers.”

Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi, said, “We are excited about the potential for working together with the Sports Authority of India. 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. We inaugurated a new sports biomechanics facility, which can help in providing new insights and advice to athletes to improve performance and prevent injuries.”

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(Press Release Issued on 10-09-2025)