Behind The Scenes: How India’s Medical Team Is Boosting Athlete Performance At Glasgow 2026 Games

India’s Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow is being backed by a medical system designed to keep athletes competition-ready through a demanding multi-sport schedule. The Indian Olympic Association’s medical team has been working with the contingent since its arrival in Scotland, covering recovery, injury management, physiotherapy and rehabilitation support.

The unit is led by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, with physiotherapists Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das forming the core support group. Their work has become particularly important at Glasgow 2026, where athletes are staying across three hotels instead of a single central Athletes’ Village.

IOA medical team adapts to Glasgow challenge

To manage the spread-out accommodation plan, the IOA has set up its main treatment hub at the Mercure Hotel. Medical personnel have also been deployed across all team locations, allowing athletes to access care without losing time to travel or scheduling delays during training and competition days.

“It is a wonderful journey as my team comprising Sumansh Sivalanka, Chris Pedra and Debashish Das are working with the athletes even before the Games began. For me, personally, it is reassuring when team managers come and tell me our presence is reassuring and adds value,” said Dr. Pardiwala.

For athletes competing on successive days, recovery can influence performance as much as training. Physiotherapy sessions, mobility work and early treatment of minor issues help reduce injury risk. They also allow coaches to manage workloads more effectively during the competition phase.

Support system behind Team India

The IOA medical group is also covering sports that do not travel with dedicated doctors or physiotherapists. Larger squads such as athletics may have their own medical staff, but smaller contingents, including swimming and gymnastics, rely on the central IOA unit for treatment and monitoring.

Dr. Pardiwala said the visible impact on athletes remains the most satisfying part of the assignment. “To see the smile on the faces of athletes is a joy, for they have had a hard day at work,” he said.

The wider support structure around Team India includes coaches, team managers, logistics staff, nutrition support and medical professionals. At a major event such as the Commonwealth Games, their combined role is to reduce distractions and help athletes focus on performance.

Medals will define public attention during Glasgow 2026, but India’s campaign will also depend on the systems working away from the field of play. For the IOA, athlete confidence and readiness remain central to how the contingent approaches the Games.