Bengaluru's National Centre of Excellence: A Hub for Asian Games Preparation
Training Camp for Track Athletes
The National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Bengaluru, managed by the Sports Authority of India, is playing a crucial role in preparing middle- and long-distance track athletes for the upcoming Asian Games 2026. A national coaching camp is currently in progress at this facility, set to continue until September 8. This camp, approved under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), includes notable athletes such as 800m runner Krishan Kumar, steeplechase athlete Avinash Sable, high jumpers Aadarsh Ram and Supriya B, decathlete Thowfeeq N, middle- and long-distance runner Parul Chaudhary, and race walkers Manju Rani and Priyanka, as stated in a recent press release.
Asian Games Contingent
All eight athletes are part of the officially sanctioned 73-member Indian athletics team for the Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. In addition to the standard training facilities, the athletes benefit from a cutting-edge smart track that enables coaches to gather real-time performance metrics during their training sessions.
Innovative Smart Track Technology
"This is a unique facility in India," remarked Suresh Kumar, the Athletics Coach at SAI NCOE Bengaluru, while discussing the advanced technology integrated into the track. "When athletes run, we can capture their speed data in real-time, including split timings at various gates, total time, stride length, and frequency. This information is invaluable for enhancing training efficiency," Kumar added in an interview with SAI Media.
Success Stories from the Track
The smart track has previously been utilized by para-athletes Dilip Mahadu Gavit and Mohammed Basil, who trained extensively on it before the Commonwealth Games 2026. Their efforts paid off as they secured gold and silver medals in the men's 100m T47 category.
Enhanced Training Experience
Kumar emphasized that the ability to replicate electronic timing during practice sessions provides athletes with a clearer understanding of their performance metrics. "Athletes appreciate this technology because it allows them to access accurate data based on electronic timing, applicable not only during training but also in competitions held here," he noted.
Track Installation and Functionality
Installed in 2024, the smart track has been a valuable asset for elite athletes training at the centre. Its timing gates are strategically placed along both the straight and curved sections, enabling coaches to analyze various phases of a run. An accompanying application allows for immediate access to performance data for further analysis.
Seamless Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The technology is designed to complement existing athletic facilities without necessitating a complete overhaul. Kumar explained that the system can be integrated into any synthetic track by embedding magnetic gates beneath the surface, with installation achievable in just one day.
Expert Coaching and Support
The SAI Bengaluru centre is effectively merging high-level coaching, sports science, and technology in preparation for the Asian Games. The camp features specialized coaches, including race-walking expert Ronald Gerd Weigel and jumps coach Sahana Kumari Nagaraj Gobbargumpi, along with coach Kalyan Chaudhary and masseuse Meena Sagar Ugale.
Key Advantages of Smart Track
The system provides coaches with critical data that is often challenging to capture manually during sprints. "We can obtain split timings even if I am positioned 40m or 50m away from the starting point," Kumar explained to SAI Media.
Weather-Resilient Training
The embedded magnetic timing gates ensure that training can continue regardless of weather conditions. Unlike traditional portable timing devices, this system remains fixed within the track, making it usable in rain or dusty environments. "With this setup, we don't have to worry about weather disruptions or equipment wear and tear. The real-time data is consistently available," Kumar concluded.