Naveen Kumar Highlights Family Support and Training at Inspire Institute of Sport

Family Support as a Driving Force

Naveen Kumar, an Indian kabaddi player, attributes his success in the sport to the unwavering support of his family. He stated, "The motivation I receive primarily stems from my family's encouragement. Whether it’s about academics or sports, my family has always been there for me. I wasn't particularly strong in studies, so I turned to sports. My grandfather was especially supportive, but the entire family has played a crucial role in my journey. Family means everything to me."

Commendation for Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS)

Naveen expressed his gratitude towards the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for its role in preparing athletes and offering top-notch facilities in anticipation of global competitions like the Asian Games 2026. He remarked, "Representing India is a significant opportunity. I want to extend my thanks to Mashal, AKFI, and the IIS. The training here is at a level comparable to that of the Olympics. The facilities provided are exceptional, ensuring that athletes have everything they need for diet, rest, and nutrition right here."

Emphasis on Fitness and Injury Prevention at IIS Camp

He noted that the camp accommodates around 90 athletes, including young talents like Kritika, aged 15-16. Naveen emphasized the importance of learning fitness management and injury prevention, especially since injuries are more common on mats than on soil. He stated, "The camp includes about 45 boys and 45 girls, with some young players like Kritika. They are learning how to maintain their fitness and manage injuries effectively, which is crucial for their long-term participation in the sport."

Senior-Junior Interaction and Team Cohesion

Naveen also pointed out the significance of interactions between senior and junior players, which fosters learning and team bonding. He explained, "We learn a lot from each other, sharing insights on mistakes and ways to enhance our performance. The camaraderie among the 45 athletes selected for the Indian team is strong, and we gain valuable knowledge from one another."

Fitness and Mental Readiness: Key Focus for Asian Games 2026

As the Asian Games 2026 approaches, Naveen emphasized that his primary focus at the IIS high-performance camp is on fitness and mental readiness rather than acquiring new skills. He stated, "Our skills are already established; the priority is our fitness and mindset. If we maintain our fitness, we can achieve anything. The goal is to stay fit leading up to the Asian Games and aim for gold for our country whenever possible."

AKFI and Mashal Sports' Collaborative Initiative

The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), in partnership with Mashal Sports, has initiated a high-performance Strength and Conditioning Camp at the IIS. This camp, running from March 27 to April 2, brings together the nation's top kabaddi athletes in preparation for the Asian Games 2026. This initiative underscores the commitment of Mashal Sports and AKFI to the comprehensive development and welfare of kabaddi players, while also nurturing a robust talent pipeline for upcoming international events.