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SAI & Safdarjung Hospital to Launch Dedicated Sports Injury Centre

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. al-to-launch-dedicated-sports-injury-centre.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 11:36 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: Delhi, INDIA

Bridging the Gap: SAI & Safdarjung Hospital to Establish Dedicated Sports Injury Centre for Indian Athletes

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Safdarjung Hospital, a leading public hospital in Delhi, are poised to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a dedicated Sports Injury Centre of Excellence. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive, prioritised medical care for athletes, addressing a long-standing need for specialised injury management within the Indian sporting ecosystem. The initiative, reported by ThePrint, signifies a concerted effort to improve the quality of care available to national and international level athletes, moving beyond reactive treatment to proactive prevention and rehabilitation.

Currently, injured athletes often face delays in receiving specialised care, frequently relying on general hospital infrastructure or seeking private treatment, which can be expensive and inaccessible for many. This MoU seeks to create a streamlined process where athletes can access timely and expert medical attention, minimising downtime and maximising their potential. The planned centre will function as a multi-disciplinary facility, bringing together orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine specialists, and other relevant experts under one roof.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Indian Sports Healthcare

The lack of dedicated sports injury facilities has long been a concern in India. While SAI operates various training centres across the country, the medical infrastructure available within these centres is often insufficient for handling complex sports injuries, particularly those requiring surgical intervention or advanced rehabilitation. Athletes are often forced to travel long distances or rely on often overburdened public hospitals.

ThePrint article highlights that the collaboration stemmed from a discussion between Sports Minister Anurag Thakur and Safdarjung Hospital officials, recognizing the urgent need for a specialized facility. This isn’t a completely new concept; a similar, smaller arrangement existed previously between SAI and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), but that partnership was reportedly limited in scope and struggled with logistical hurdles. The ambition with Safdarjung is to build a far more robust and integrated system.

What the Sports Injury Centre will Offer

The proposed Sports Injury Centre will offer a broad spectrum of services. These will include:

• Immediate medical attention: Providing prompt diagnosis and initial treatment for acute injuries sustained during training or competition.
• Surgical interventions: Offering advanced surgical procedures for complex injuries, including arthroscopic surgeries, ligament reconstructions, and fracture repairs. The centre aims to become a hub for minimally invasive techniques, facilitating faster recovery.
• Rehabilitation programs: Developing customized rehabilitation plans tailored to the specific needs of each athlete, focusing on regaining strength, flexibility, and functionality. This includes physiotherapy, sports-specific conditioning, and psychological support.
• Sports science integration: Incorporating sports science principles into injury prevention and rehabilitation, utilizing biomechanical analysis, performance testing, and nutritional guidance.
• Research and development: Conducting research on sports injuries prevalent in India, identifying risk factors, and developing innovative treatment protocols.
• Athlete Education: Providing educational programs for athletes, coaches, and support staff on injury prevention strategies and proper training techniques.

Safdarjung Hospital's Capabilities and SAI's Role

Safdarjung Hospital is well-equipped to host this centre. It already has a dedicated department of orthopaedics and a robust physiotherapy unit, and its location in Delhi makes it easily accessible for athletes from North India. The hospital has also dealt with a variety of trauma cases, giving its medical staff experience in managing complex injuries.

SAI’s role will be crucial in identifying athletes in need of care, coordinating their access to the facility, and providing financial support for treatment. The organisation will also contribute to the development of training programs and protocols. Crucially, SAI is expected to prioritize athlete access, ensuring that beds and services are reserved for those representing the nation. The MoU will clarify the financial arrangements and responsibilities of both parties.

Potential Impact & Future Implications

The establishment of this Sports Injury Centre holds significant potential to elevate the standard of sports in India. By providing athletes with access to world-class medical care, the centre can help:

• Reduce injury-related downtime: Faster diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation will allow athletes to return to training and competition sooner.
• Improve performance: Optimized injury management can prevent chronic pain and functional limitations, enhancing athletic performance.
• Enhance athlete longevity: Proactive injury prevention strategies can extend an athlete’s career.
• Attract investment: A robust sports healthcare system can attract investment in Indian sports, boosting its overall growth.

Looking ahead, the success of this collaboration could serve as a model for establishing similar centres in other parts of the country. A network of regional sports injury centres would ensure that athletes across India have access to the specialized care they need, regardless of their location. This initiative is a positive step towards building a more comprehensive and sustainable sporting ecosystem in India, one that prioritizes the health and well-being of its athletes.