It is a common sight in badminton to see players with a heavily strapped knee or with an ankle protection bandage. They are prone to injuries to knee, ankle, shoulder and wrist joints, given that a player has to do a lot of jumping, smashing, running and twisting.
With more and more competition, it has now become important that coaches, in consultation with physios, nutritionists and dieticians, lay emphasis on fitness, particularly in prevention of injuries.
Dr Ashok Ahuja, sports medicine consultant of the cricket board and former head of department of medicine and science at NIS Patiala, revealed that a lot of players are prone to knee, ankle, wrists and shoulder injuries.
“It is time we laid emphasis on body mechanism exercises. In the past we neglected the fitness regimen, but times have changed. It is vital for every sportsperson to put emphasis on body mechanics,” he said.
In badminton, according to Ahuja, players suffer from knee, ankle or wrist injuries. “A lot of jumping is required in this game and knees take the maximum brunt. Wrist or shoulder injuries are also common given the load on the shoulders because of the smash or hand movements,” he pointed out.
Ahuja felt a training programme is necessary for recovery exercises for every player. “We have to incorporate this on an urgent basis, given the number of tournaments. As a player plays more tournaments, there is an increase of load on the body. Fitness exercises before and after a game is necessary,” he added.
“Playing too many tournaments is not advisable. We have to prepare according to the importance of the events. We have to train in such a way that we peak during big tournaments,” he said.
Among the present players, Ahuja said Saina Nehwal is one of the fittest players. “She maintains good physical fitness. PV Sindhu has an athletic body. She needs to do a lot of strengthening exercises,” he said.
With more players taking to the game at a young age, Ahuja stressed the need of development programme. “Based on individual biological development, a programme should be set for each player. This will help a player develop his game and physical fitness,” he said.