The Indian National Strength and Conditioning Association (INSCA®) will script history by hosting the inaugural National Strength and Conditioning Conference on December 6th and 7th, 2024, at the Confluence Club, Anju Bobby Sports Foundation, in Bengaluru.
The landmark event promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and expertise, uniting Strength and Conditioning (S&C) professionals across India under the banner of excellence.
Set against the backdrop of India’s burgeoning sports landscape, the conference’s focus on elite performance reflects the growing recognition of S&C as a cornerstone of athletic success. With its theme, Winning Edge and Elite Sports Performance, the conference aims to provide a groundbreaking platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and researchers to share insights and knowledge. The presentations cover various topics, from cutting-edge techniques in training and rehabilitation to advancements in technology and psychology, each contributing to the holistic development of elite athletes.
Dr. Sanju Joseph
To understand the journey and vision behind this groundbreaking event, TSC’s Ravi Mandapaka spoke with Dr. Saju Joseph, a pioneering sports scientist from Bengaluru. Dr. Joseph shared the inspiration, challenges, and aspirations behind organizing India’s first National Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Conference.
“In India, the field of Strength and Conditioning lacks a structured platform where experts can both obtain knowledge and gain certification that genuinely reflects their expertise,” Dr. Joseph explained. “Currently, professionals pursue various international courses such as CSCS from NSCA, ASCA certifications, UK-based fitness programs, or courses offered by SAI. While these programs provide valuable theoretical frameworks and practical insights, the disparity between the two often leaves gaps in the expertise of individuals. Those excelling in theoretical knowledge sometimes fall short in practical application, and vice versa. Additionally, the high cost of these certifications makes them inaccessible to individuals from lower-income backgrounds.”
This realization sparked the idea of creating a homegrown solution for India. “We needed a system that identifies and brings together experts from within the country to develop courses tailored to our needs. These courses should not only match but aim to surpass the quality of international programs. The conference is our first step in this direction—a platform to identify and showcase our wealth of talent and create a knowledge-sharing ecosystem,” Dr. Joseph emphasized.
The theme, Winning Edge and Elite Sports Performance aligns with the demands of modern sports by focusing on the core elements that S&C professionals need to master. While the agenda aims to redefine the standards of S&C in India, organizing such a transformative event has not been without its hurdles. Dr. Joseph highlighted the moderate response, mainly from universities and colleges offering S&C degrees. “A few individuals have registered and expressed interest in presenting papers, but we hope to see more join in the coming days. This conference is a gateway to a wealth of knowledge, and we are optimistic that more professionals will recognize its value,” he shared.
Dr. Saju Joseph: For high-performance athletes, achieving success demands a holistic approach that integrates various sports sciences. However, at the heart of this equation lies the indispensable role of Strength and Conditioning (S&C).
As modern sports increasingly rely on innovation, the conference seeks to bridge the gap between traditional practices and cutting-edge advancements. “Our sessions will delve into advanced training methodologies, program design, research-backed physiological strategies, nutrition, recovery, and injury management,” Dr. Joseph noted. “The future of sports and winning is inextricably tied to technology. This conference aims to bridge that gap, providing attendees with insights that are not just theoretical but practical and actionable in a high-performance setting.”
Beyond the seasoned professionals, the conference provides a platform for students and budding S&C practitioners. “For students, we’ve ensured participation by offering a discounted fee compared to established professionals,” Dr. Joseph shared. “Many young participants lack hands-on experience in key areas such as periodization, training, and load monitoring. This conference provides a platform for them to build a foundational understanding of these critical topics.”
Highlighting INSCA®’s collaborative goals, Dr. Joseph emphasized that the association is in its nascent stages but has ambitious plans. “We are actively working on education, research, clinics, and international conferences, as well as collaborating with domestic and international bodies, industry leaders, and other sports science and training institutions,” he said. Presentations from startups and established names like Delsys USA, ATIUM, Technogym, and Smartrack will showcase technological innovations shaping the field.
Dr. Joseph speaking
Behind the scenes, curating an event of this scale involved navigating several logistical and planning hurdles. Dr. Joseph shared, “As it’s the first time we’re organizing such an event, it was challenging to ensure the topics and speakers aligned with the needs of participants. Many speakers who initially agreed had to withdraw due to personal commitments, making filling the gaps on short notice difficult.”
One of the conference’s highlights is integrating cutting-edge technology in strength training and athletic development. Dr. Joseph explained, “In the past, monitoring training load relied heavily on subjective assessments and physical tests. Today, technology enables precise quantification of training loads, fatigue, recovery, and injury prevention.” Tools like EMG sensors for muscle activation during rehabilitation and low-cost devices for load monitoring will be showcased at the conference.
INSCA® is committed to bridging the gap between research and practical application in S&C. Dr. Joseph cited missed opportunities, such as PT Usha narrowly missing an Olympic medal. “Many such instances result from non-compliance with S&C principles and the absence of evidence-based training,” he said. “This conference will emphasize the importance of research-driven strategies over conventional, anecdotal methods.”
Looking beyond the event, INSCA® envisions shaping the future of S&C in India. “Our long-term goals include hosting domestic and international conferences, offering certification courses, and launching degree programs in S&C,” Dr. Joseph shared. INSCA® also aims to establish job opportunities for certified S&C experts across universities, national teams, and sports clubs.
This conference is not just an event but a movement to position India as a global leader in Strength and Conditioning, setting the stage for a new era in sports excellence. As Dr. Joseph aptly concluded, “This is just the beginning. INSCA® is here to unite and elevate the S&C profession in India.”
The conference promises to be pivotal in India’s journey toward becoming a global force in sports science and athletic excellence.
