Karnataka to get First Ayush Sports Medicine Centre

Mangaluru: India's second National Ayush sports medicine centre under National Ayush Mission shall be set up in the Mangaluru soon, the centre shall be the first of its kind dedicated to the athletes in Karnataka.  

In September 2021 MLA D Vedavyasa Kamath urged Union Minister for Ayush Sarbanand Sonowal to sanction a sports medicine centre in Mangaluru. In response, the Ministry of Ayush gave a nod to the proposal.

Thrissur district in Kerala is the first in India to get an Ayush sports medicine centre.

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Dr Mohammad Iqbal, district Ayush officer, told TOI "The department has plans to commence the centre with Mangala Stadium as its base since all sports activities take place there. The stadium has all facilities required for athletes, and it also houses a sports hostel. Meanwhile, the Ayush Hospital building located in the Wenlock District Hospital premises will also be utilised for the centre. In addition, a new building for the sports medicine centre will be constructed in a suitable location, which is yet to be finalised in the city. The government has already released Rs 2.5 crore towards staff salary and the purchase of equipment. We will prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed new building soon."

Dr Iqbal said, "Our centre will have experts from Ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. The purpose of the centre is to support athletes to maintain their health and fitness, increase their immunity, boost their confidence and treat injuries.

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"The centre will design a separate diet plan for athletes, depending on their physical fitness requirements. In addition, they will be trained to be mentally fit through yoga and meditation. In case of any need for surgery, the same will be taken care of by surgeons at Wenlock Hospital. We are preparing a standard operating protocol (SOP) for the centre, which will be opened soon," he said.

While speaking with DH, he said, "There are instances of doping in sports with the intake of steroids. But naturally available foods can help athletes increase stamina and remain fit. Various therapies at the centre will help sportspersons in weight reduction and detoxification of the body through Indian systems of medicine. The funds will be used for procuring equipment and improving basic facilities, besides providing for the salaries of the staff. The district Ayush authorities will submit a proposal to make it a centre of excellence in sports medicine."

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