"VAN" (Sports Desk - 26.07.2026) :: When an Indian athlete walks onto the competition arena at the Commonwealth Games, the focus is naturally on the performance that unfolds over the next few minutes. What spectators rarely see is the dedicated support system working behind the scenes to ensure every athlete is physically prepared, mentally confident and ready to compete at the highest level.
At Glasgow 2026, that support system has become an integral part of Team India's campaign. Alongside
coaches and team managers, the Indian Olympic Association's medical team has been working from the
moment the contingent arrived in Scotland, ensuring athletes receive world-class medical care,
physiotherapy, recovery support and injury management throughout the Games.
Modern elite sport is no longer driven by talent alone. Recovery, rehabilitation and sports science have
become just as important as training itself, particularly during a demanding multi-sport event where
athletes often compete over successive days.
The IOA Medical Team is led by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who is
supported by physiotherapists Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das. Together, they have
been working with athletes even before competition began, helping them recover after training sessions,
managing minor injuries and ensuring they remain competition-ready 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," said Dr.
Pardiwala.
Glasgow has presented a unique operational challenge. Unlike many previous multi-sport events, there is
no central Athletes' Village, with the Indian contingent accommodated across three different hotels. To
ensure uninterrupted medical support, the IOA has established its primary treatment hub at the Mercure
Hotel while deploying medical personnel across all team locations, enabling athletes to receive immediate
assistance whenever required.
For elite athletes, recovery is often as important as training. Every physiotherapy session, mobility
exercise and recovery protocol contributes to maintaining peak performance while reducing the risk of
injury during a packed competition schedule.
Dr. Pardiwala believes the greatest reward for his team comes not from public recognition, but from seeing
athletes regain confidence after demanding training sessions or competition.
"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 Medical Team also provides vital support to disciplines that travel without dedicated medical
staff. While larger contingents such as athletics have their own doctors and physiotherapists, smaller
teams—including swimming and gymnastics—depend on the IOA's central medical unit for treatment,
recovery and ongoing care throughout the Games.
Behind every athlete is a wider ecosystem that includes coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, nutrition
support, team managers and logistics personnel, all working together with a common objective—to ensure
India's athletes can focus entirely on delivering their best performances.
As Team India begins its Commonwealth Games campaign, medals will rightly capture the headlines. Yet
every podium finish will also reflect the quiet dedication of a support network whose work often begins
before sunrise and ends long after competition has concluded.
For the Indian Olympic Association, success at the Commonwealth Games is not measured only by
medals, but also by the confidence with which every athlete steps onto the field of play—knowing an
entire team stands behind them.
IOA FACT BOX
The Support System Behind Team India
~ Medical Leadership: Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala heads the IOA Medical Team.
~ Physiotherapy Support: Recovery, injury prevention and rehabilitation throughout the Games.
~ 24x7 Athlete Care: Medical personnel deployed across all team hotels with a central treatment
hub at the Mercure Hotel.
~ Support Across Sports: The IOA Medical Team provides medical coverage to contingents
without dedicated doctors or physiotherapists.
~ Athlete-First Approach: The objective is simple—allow every athlete to focus solely on competition while the support team takes care of everything else.
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