Technological innovations, artificial intelligence changing the rules of the game in modern sports, training methodologies

As the Olympic Games draw to a close, the spotlight is not only on the athletes competing for glory, but also on their transformative role technology played a role in shaping modernity sports AND training methodologies. Over the past few years, innovations such as wearable devices, performance analysisAND Virtual Reality revolutionized the way athletes prepare for competition, improving their training programs and optimizing results.

The intersection of sports and technology is dramatically changing the landscape. From advanced sensors that track physiological metrics to smart gear that provides real-time feedback, technology has become an integral part of an athlete’s toolkit.

“The technology fits seamlessly into the macrostructure of today’s sports analytics ecosystem. It empowers young athletes and coaches to democratize access to professional-level analytics and tools, which helps nurture grassroots talent and instills a sense of competitiveness by providing insights that have traditionally been available only to elite athletes,” said Sudeep Kulkarni, Founder and CEO of Game Theory.

The sports industry is increasingly using the power artificial intelligence (Artificial intelligence) to change the way we analyze performance and predict outcomes, he said.

Athletes can train with virtual opponents and recreate game circumstances using augmented reality (AR), helping them develop the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

Stupa Sports Analytics, a Gurugram-based sports technology company, recently provided analytical support to the Indian table tennis team for their training camp for the Paris Olympics. The support included performance analysis, rally analysis, and AI insights for both players and coaches.

“The data helped formulate strategies to play against the best players in the world. Prominent players like Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakker, Manika Batra, Archana Kamath and Sreeja Akula have benefited from these insights to improve their preparation and performance,” said Megha Gambhir, CEO and Co-Founder, Stupa Sports Analytics.

Augmented reality (AR) also enhances the viewer experience. AR solutions allow fans to access additional player information and statistics during live events.

A report by the Capgemini Research Institute revealed that almost 70 percent of those surveyed (10,000) said new technologies had improved their overall experience of watching matches, both inside and outside the stadium.

New technologies are undoubtedly the future of sports, and technology startups are at the forefront of this golden era. The integration of technology into sports through startups is changing the way athletes train, compete, and engage with fans.

These startups are driving innovation and setting new standards in the sports industry.

Mustafa Ghouse, founder and general partner of Centre Court Capital, a VC firm focused on gaming and sports technology, said sports technology startups are increasingly becoming target sectors for venture capital due to the huge potential for innovation and growth in the sector.

“In India, interest is becoming increasingly visible, especially in niche areas of sports technology. India has seen $1.2 billion in investments in sports technology in the last three years. India is also the third largest funding country in sports technology after the US during 2018-2022, followed by China,” he said.

Ghouse added that Indian sports technology startups are starting to attract the attention of global and domestic investors.

“The increasing allocation of media rights and the growth in digital consumption of sports content are driving demand for advanced technological requirements. This, coupled with the proliferation of smart devices and internet connectivity, is creating fertile ground for sports technology startups to flourish and attract significant investment,” he said.