Team from AFC to inspect facilities at Sri Ramachandra campus next month

Sri Ramachandra’s Centre for Sports Science (CSS) first made news for its state-of-the-art biomechanical facility to correct bowling action. It has now branched into other sports.

So much so that CSS is on the verge of being named a Centre of Excellence by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Breaking the news to The Hindu , CSS director Dr. S. Arumugam said, “A team from AFC will visit CSS next month to inspect the facilities. Informally, the AFC has already agreed. If it happens it will be the first such centre in the country.”

Arumugam said, “We have a football ground that is in accordance with FIFA guidelines on the campus. Then we have a bio-mechanical facility for footballers, accommodation, gym, training facilities that includes high altitude simulation and a swimming pool.”

He added, “Eventually, our aim is to be adjudged a Centre of Excellence by FIFA.”

Chennaiyin FC, the reigning ISL champion, is not just training at CSS but the entire squad is staying at the Sri Ramachandra campus this season.

Arumugam said, “They did various routines with us last year and emerged as the fittest side in ISL. This year they have decided to stay here. The campus is self contained, it’s like a sports village.”

Talking about biomechanics in football, Arumugam said, “It is particularly useful while taking free-kicks and penalties. Aspects such as the pressure on the ball, point and angle of contact are extremely important.”

He explained, “Vicon 3D motion capture cameras are used. High speed video cameras and wireless EMG are also employed.”

CSS has a 600m rowing course under floodlights that has staged the sub-junior Nationals. Training camps for the Indian sub-junior team are held here.

And, three Olympic rowers — Sawarn Singh, Dattu Bhokanal and Dushyant Chauhan, medallists at the Asian Games — underwent rehab and recovery at CSS. Omega water therapy was used. Brain waves and heart beats were monitored.

In shooting, CSS has a tie-up with Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang’s Academy. “We have a 25m and 50m indoor shooting range. Elavenil Valarivan, who trains here, won a gold at the junior World Cup,” said Arumugam.

He elaborated, “Shooting is a highly technical sport where you have to shoot between your heartbeats. Otherwise there could be a slight shake.”

Force plates that measure the ground reaction forces are used to make the right shoes for the shooters, providing them maximum stability and balance.

In sailing, Asian Games bronze medallists Varun Thakkar and K.C. Ganapathy underwent strength and conditioning and rehab at CSS.

Impressive fencer Bhavani Devi trains at CSS’s high performance centre. “We have developed an app through which we can monitor the performances of athletes even when they travel,” said Arumugam.

And as part of its Khelo India programme, the Indian government has selected CSS as one of the centres for three disciplines — rowing, shooting and weightlifting. “We want to produce an Olympic gold winner,” said Arumugam.

CSS has a programme for basketballers with former India captain C.V. Sunny in charge. And the popular Tamil Thalaivas kabbadi side works out here.

In cricket, CSS continues to receive international and Indian bowlers for assessment of suspect action apart from having a tie-up with former Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore and the Kerala Ranji side.

Arumugam, however, said, “The facilities we have for cricket, including the practice pitches and indoor nets, can be put to better use.”

The CSS wants to keep the tradition going; it conducts a training programme for sports scientists.