CWG 2026: Beyond the medals -- IOA medical team powers India's campaign
Glasgow, July 25
As India's athletes continue their Commonwealth Games campaign, much of the spotlight will fall on performances and medals. Away from the competition venues, however, the Indian Olympic Association's medical team has been working round the clock to ensure every participant remains fit, healthy and ready to compete.
Headed by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, the IOA medical unit has been providing comprehensive medical care, physiotherapy, recovery support and injury management since the Indian contingent arrived in Scotland.
The medical team also includes physiotherapists Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das, who have been working closely with athletes during training and competition to aid recovery, prevent injuries and maintain peak physical condition throughout the Games.
"It is a wonderful journey as my team comprising Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das are working with the athletes even before the Games began. For me, personally, it is reassuring when team managers come and tell me our presence is reassuring and adds value," Dr Pardiwala said.
Unlike previous multi-sport events, Glasgow 2026 does not have a central Athletes' Village and the Indian contingent is spread across three different hotels. To overcome this logistical challenge, the IOA has established its primary treatment centre at the Mercure Hotel while deploying medical personnel across all accommodation sites to ensure athletes have access to immediate medical attention whenever required.
The medical unit also supports disciplines that do not travel with dedicated doctors or physiotherapists. While larger contingents such as athletics have their own medical staff, teams including swimming and gymnastics rely on the IOA's central medical team for treatment, rehabilitation and recovery during the Games.
Pardiwala said the greatest satisfaction for the support staff comes from helping athletes recover after demanding training sessions and competitions. "To see the smile on the faces of athletes is a joy, for they have had a hard day at work," he said.
The IOA believes modern elite sport extends beyond training and competition, with recovery protocols, physiotherapy and sports science now playing an equally important role in helping athletes sustain peak performance during multi-day events.
Behind every Indian athlete is a wider support network comprising coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, nutrition experts, team managers and logistics staff, all working towards a common objective of allowing athletes to focus solely on their performances.
As India's Commonwealth Games campaign gathers momentum, the IOA hopes its athlete-first approach and comprehensive medical support system will play a key role in helping the contingent perform at its best throughout the Games.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see IOA is taking sports medicine seriously. Big upgrade from earlier days when athletes had to manage injuries themselves. But we still need permanent sports medicine institutes in India – not just emergency response during events.
As a physiotherapist myself, this warms my heart! The logistical challenge of three hotels sounds like a nightmare but they've managed it well. So proud of our medical team working tirelessly in Glasgow. Every athlete's smile is their medal. 👏👏
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes story that doesn't get enough attention. Having worked in sports medicine in the UK, I know how critical recovery support is during multi-day events. India is catching up well in sports science. Keep it up!
Dr Pardiwala is a legend – did you know he's the same doctor who treated many of our Olympic athletes? Having such expertise dedicated to CWG is brilliant. Hope this sets a precedent for future multi-sport events. 🙏
One small step for Indian sports medicine – but we need this kind of support at the grassroots level too. Not just during CWG or Olympics. School and college athletes in India often have zero access to physios. Let's build a system, not just a team.
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