The ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports received a budget allocation of Rs. 3397.32 crore for FY 2023-24. There was an increase of 11% from the previous year’s budget. This goes to show that India as a nation is giving unprecedented attention to the growth of this sector and the grass-root talent that is available in our country. And to support and nurture this talent, right infrastructure plays a vital role.

Professional mats which is a part of the sports infrasturure, play a crucial role in the well-being of sports players, especially kabbadi players, wrestlers, and kho kho players. Mats provide a safe and comfortable surface for players to perform their physical activities, reducing the risk of injury and promoting overall health. In this article, we will examine the importance of professional mats in the wellbeing of sports players and how they contribute to their safety, performance, and longevity in their respective sports.

Reducing Physical Injuries:

First and foremost, professional mats serve as a protective surface for players, reducing the risk of injury during their physical activities. This is especially important for contact sports like kabbadi and wrestling, where players frequently fall, roll, and engage in high-impact moves. A high-quality mat can absorb the shock of these impacts, reducing the risk of injury to the joints, bones, and muscles. A well-maintained mat can also provide a consistent and stable surface for players, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Enhanced Performance:

In addition to injury prevention, professional mats can also enhance player performance. A well-designed mat can provide the necessary grip and traction to allow players to move freely and perform their moves with greater precision and control. Mats can also help players conserve energy, as they will not have to exert as much effort to maintain balance and stability on a surface that provides a supportive foundation. Furthermore, the physical comfort that a mat can provide can help reduce fatigue and stress on the body, allowing players to perform longer and with greater intensity.

Enhanced Longetivity:

The longevity of a player's career can also be positively impacted by the use of professional mats. A safe and supportive surface can reduce the risk of injury, allowing players to continue performing at a high level for a longer period of time. Moreover, a well-designed mat can also help players recover from injury more quickly, as the cushioned surface can reduce the impact of physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises. This can help players get back to playing their sport more quickly, ensuring that they are able to perform at their best for as long as possible.

Also Read - Articulating Decades of Expertise through Design Marvels

Grooming of Players:

Professional mats became a symbolic part of the sports fraternity. Sports involve extraordinary activities like flipping, falling, running, etc. A professional mat will help in grooming the player, as it will increase the efficiency of the player while playing the sports. A good sports mat train them to play any sports nationally and internationally.

Sports is a platform for some extraordinary performances that include intensive physical activity. Having a quality mat is extremely important to help maintain the balance of players and help them in having the right posture. It has been observed that the percentage of people getting injured due to the non-availability of professional mats and equipment is quite high and some of these injuries are either life threatening or can led to physical disability. A professional mat cushions the body to prevent aches and pain, as well as fatal injuries while performing any sports.