What inspired you to draw into sports and physical sciences and how does that path shape your outlook on health, performance, and well-being?
Inclination toward sports came from within at a very early age and was an integral part of childhood. A specific memory from the 1992 World Cup—being inspired by Sachin Tendulkar’s rise as a young player and Imran Khan’s speech about using his prize money to build a cancer hospital in his mother’s name—served as a massive inspiration. Regarding well-being, playing sports fundamentally changes an individual’s mindset and lifestyle, serving as a collective package for mental, physical, and social development. It teaches life skills like discipline and dedication, and navigating unpredictable moments (like facing a bowler in cricket) mirrors the unpredictability of life.
How do you take findings, be it from the lab or real-life experiences, and turn them into practical gains for athletes whether in exercise, rehabilitation, or performance?
By implementing experiential learning through tournament structures like “blue cubs” (baby leagues) within the school system rather than giving theoretical lectures. Dropping youth directly into game situations forces them to problem-solve independently, build life skills, and understand their unique strengths. For instance, Lionel Messi adapted to physical constraints by sharpening unique, practical skills like short passing and dribbling when thrown into challenging situations.
Sports isn’t just physical, it’s deeply mental. How much weight do you give to psychology? How important is mental health especially in athletes?
The mental component is massive, dictating 70% to 80% of an athlete’s sustainability and performance. For example, despite similar talent levels in the ’90s, Sachin Tendulkar achieved legendary status over Vinod Kambli due to superior mental toughness and focus. Specializations like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) are vital tools to train mental toughness and confidence. Formalizing real sports psychology in schools and academies is essential to bridge the gap between national talent and global success like the Olympics.
Between research, coaching, athlete development, and clinical work, complex situations and shifting evidences are part of your job. How do you approach making tough calls?
Making tough decisions is simple if you remain honest, unbiased, and maintain integrity. Complex situations arise when the broader system lacks infrastructure, such as when top clubs hunt for outside players instead of building structured residential youth academies to cultivate grassroots talent. Navigating these challenges requires sticking to a structured, honest process to systematically isolate and resolve the immediate administrative obstacles.
Overall, what legacy do you hope to leave in sports and physical sciences, and how would you like your work to inspire the researchers, practitioners, coaches, and healthcare professionals who follow?
The goal is to devote life to building a structural foundation for grassroots youth development (under 13 and under 15). Specifically, creating a customized futsal ecosystem within the school system by turning standard physical education classes into structured, small-sided games. Prioritizing youth infrastructure, developing fundamental ball skills via futsal, and combining education with sports will lay the essential framework to build a competitive sporting nation for future generations.
Mr. Aparup Chakraborthy
Founder and Director of Aparup Fustal Schools, Match Commissioner
India
