Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

WORKSHOP AND FEASIBILITY STUDY OF SWIMMING HIGH PERFORMANCECENTRE, Dr. S P Mookerjee Swimming Pool Complex, New Delhi, INDIA(September 11th to 13th, 2017)
A REPORT – To SAI, Administrator (Dr. SPM-SPComplex), Mr. Praveen Kakkar; cc to DG-SAI, Shri. Srinivas,
DDG-SAI, Shri. Pradhan, Director Sports, Dr. Hooda, ED-NIS, Dr. Roy, and Manikant Sharma (AD, SAI and TIAS student, 2nd Batch),
HPL-JNS-Dr. Dhingra / cc to UT, Prof. Sanada, Chairman-TIAS, Prof. Nakagawa, Provost, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, andAsst. Prof. Sengoku and Prof. Takagi, Japan Sports Experts (UT); Area Commons Chief - Mr. Tando; TIAS Office Chief – Mr. Nakayama

BACKGROUND
Welcoming the Japan Sport Experts (Dr. YASUO SENGOKU, Assist. Prof., UT and Dr. HIDEKI
TAKAGI, Prof., UT) & coordinator Prof. Randeep Rakwal (UT-TIAS) (& Mr. Manikant Sharma,
AD-SAI for his coordination till the final days of the workshop, which involved a pre-meetingwith him to confirm the final points and pass-over to the Administrator, and with whom also a
pre-meeting was held at the complex to confirm all the arrangements) to New Delhi by
Administrator of SAI National Swimming Academy (at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
Swimming Pool Complex, http://www.sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/index1.asp?ls_id=509),
Mr. PRAVEEN KAKKAR on Sep 11th 2017, this first of a kind workshop was opened withattending 16 Academy and SAI Coaches and Sport Scientists from Delhi, Patiala & Bangalore. The Workshop coincided with the Japan PMs Abe visit to India and meeting with PM Modi, Sep.
13th and 15th, 2017 where the cooperation on sport was also on the agenda (to quote from thePress Article from an Indian Newspaper, Indian Express- “Prime Minister Abe welcomed the support

offered by Prime Minister Modi for Japan’s efforts towards the successful organisation of the Tokyo 2020
Olympic and Paralympic Games. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the institutional
linkages set up between India and Japan. They also acknowledged that the Olympic and Paralympic
Games offer a unique opportunity for the two countries to further deepen their cooperation.”)(http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-japan-joint-statement-during-shinzo-abes-visit-full-text-nar
endra-modi-bullet-train-mous-4843849/ ) / (http://www.mofa.go.jp/s_sa/sw/in/page3e_000731.html).

- The Dr. SPM SPComplex, which was constructed in 1982 to hold Asian Games, holds the
SAINSA, which was established in 2014, and became fully functional in 2015, as a fully1Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

residential (26 boys and 12 girls, currently) academy. It has the SAI Glenmark TIDM (Talent
Identification Development and Management) nationwide initiative to promote the sport ofswimming in India, working with the Swimming Federation of India-and having a primary goal
to find students across India with exceptional athletic talent; the Academy functions as a “High
Performance Centre for swimmers above 10 years of age” (http://sgtidm.com/). Recently, theTeam SGTIDM and Team GAF won 13 medals at the 9th Asian Age Group Championship at
Uzbekistan, 2017. Thus, the September WORKSHOP of Japan Swimming Experts (with focus on
both

High

Performance

ScienceandCoaching)withIndianSwimming

Experts(Administrators-Coaches and Scientist’s) was highly opportune (appropriate and well-timed)to share innovative cutting-edge scientific knowledge and coaching techniques and also toobserve the swimming facilities (which were found to be world-class) and learn on the existing
structure of coaching and development of swimming talent at the SAINSA, and understand theneed for the establishment of the “High Performance Laboratory” “RESEARCH”, one of themain aims of the visit. TIAS Academic Legacy via transfer of knowledge was another aspect.
- The workshop/program schedule was as follows:

DAY to DAY ACTIVITIES
2017, Sep. 11:
Day 1:The OPENING was made by addressing the gathered participants for not only joining theworkshop and giving time to it but also for welcoming us from Tsukuba for this first of, I hope,2Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

many projects between SAI and University of Tsukuba-TAIIKU-TIAS, and which was initiatedfollowing the June 29th, 2017, visit of the Indian Delegation to UT. Thank you Mr. Kakkar andThank you Manikant; Thank you Drs. Sengoku and Takagi for delivering the main part of theworkshop, as experts on HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT SCIENCE, CURRENT RESEARCH and
BIOMECHANICS, and ELITE COACHING. I would also like to humbly say that we (from Universityof Tsukuba) have come here to Delhi (SAINSA) not only to SHARE the knowledge, science andresearch from Tsukuba, but also LISTEN to the distinguished Coaches and Scientists of SA, anddiscuss deeply on various aspects of HIGH PERFORMANCE IN INDIAN CONTEXT.

- Introducing the Swimming Pool Complex, ADMINISTRATOR, Mr. KAKKAR and accompaniedby the HEAD COACH, Mr. Partha Pratim MAJUMDER (SGTIDM), we were impressed by thehigh-class swimming facilities (Main Pool, Olympic Size), Warm-up pool, and the Diving pool,for the young swimmers, in particular; and their nice residential quarters within the complex.
The basic rehabilitation center had a physiotherapist and massage therapist; and full medical
facilities were within reach in the city.

3Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

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2017

Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017- The first TALK (High Performance in Swimming) was by Dr. Sengoku, an Elite Swimming
Coach (Head Coach) and Scientist, mentioning that we have top-level swimmer in UT, andthese are also our research subjects. Therefore, as SAINSA have high-level swimmers (currently
focusing on junior-level) they could be very good research subjects – in order to apply thelatest scientific techniques and research to improve swimming performance. Thus, Dr. Sengoku
focused on the nature of the research he is conducting in order to scientifically judge andimprove performance based on evidence. In the case of standards for selecting swimmers, thestandard time by FINA is followed but Japan also has its own unique standards (1.5 sec faster)by the JSF. How can we achieve high performance?: based on the study of energy systems,
anaerobic – lactate; high: sprinters/low-middle distance. It does not mean higher is better, thephysiological parameters are very important. Giving the example of an Olympic-level maleswimmer, Mr. Masaki, he explained the energy systems. Moreover, the laboratory, training
regime and equipment’s are necessary for not only selecting the top swimmers but also fortalent identification. It is also “good for motivating the swimmers”. Additionally, supplement
usage [L-Citrulline (it is an amino acid found in watermelons), LEGAL], recently developed by aJapanese company is also used. On a question from the participant about calorie intake,nutrition aspects that is not focused on but carbohydrate intake is important, and rice is very
nutritious in Japan. In this context, NUTRITION would make a very good research topic
comparing India and Japan. Scientists as Coaches are very important and that is what is seen in
Japan. There were numerous questions: kinetic studies for the blood lactate levels; Talent
identification – how scientific is it in Japan – performance based testing and at what stage;
Heart rate is the limiting factor (not being tested in UT); What do you have to say on the
Michael Phelps case, his body (somethings are common-this is science, but comparative
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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

studies are needed); Cycling-running-diet, the chamber; Psychology to motivation (not working
at it in UT); Communication to coaches, how are you doing it? (Coaches are scientists, and thathelps in UT/Japan case). In all, the LECTURE & DISCUSSIONS gave GOOD INSIGHT, VERYPRACTICAL INFORMATION to the PARTICIPANTS, which was their response.

- The second TALK (Current Research in Swimming High Performance) was by Prof. Takagi, aengineer-hydrodynamic,bytraining

andabiomechanics

professional

(was

Head

Coach-Japanese Men’s Water Polo Team, and Scientific Committee of JSF), presented at firstabout the University of Tsukuba and the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences (TAIIKU), one of
the top global sport sciences institutions, with a rich history of Olympic medals; and with adiverse range of sport science facilities, including the sport performance and clinic laboratory,

wind tunnel testing laboratory and the circulating water channel (swimming robot). Prof. Takagi
shared (by not only slides but also by demonstrating with elegant hand and body motions) thelatest scientific research being conducted on FLOW VISUALIZATION DURING SWIMMING, and
INVESTIGATIONS REGARDING THE START, both essential research components for high6Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

performance in swimming. Experimental footage was also shown during the talk. Althoughhighly scientific and complex, the methods and data analysis were explained as clearly as
possible and with take-home messages, and the participating scientists and coaches had deep
interactive

discussions.

The

swimming

pool

video

recordingsystemsandthedevelopment/innovation of equipment’s for reaction force measurement on the block,reference markers (LED), EMG analysis was also shown and explained, which generated greatinterest among the participants.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

2017, Sep. 12:
Day 2:
Following the first day’s “Breaking the Ice” and developing close communication, interest andactive participation among the Japanese and Indian delegations, the workshop moved to thesecond day TALKS and INTERCATIONS.
- The third TALK was by Dr. Sengoku, on Practical Aspects to Achieve High Performance in
Swimming, and dealt with the Characteristics of swimming training; literature about swimming
training-volume or intensity; High-intensity interval training; Practical training regimen; andNew concept for training planning. Beginning with the parameters of training - “You must swim
until you become a fish” (Hironoshin Furuhashi - slide 3, Dr. Yasuo Sengoku - presentation), the
200 m Backstroke was explained in terms of energy and velocity, to physiological concept toenhance athletic performance, to raining effects between high volume and high intensity
training – including in young swimmers; to WHAT IS EXTREME HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING?,
the TABATA PROTOCOL; and explaining the latest research – Training for Performance – The
PRACTICAL ASPECTS. How to introduce NIIT in real training situation was explained in detail,followed by the MECHANISM of each training effect, and the TRAINING PERIODIZATION
focusing on the question, What is training general fitness? The training program at UT was also
described and discussed.

Participants were highly engrossed and asked multiple questions, on high volume and highintensity training; How long do the affects last (final volume to high intensity – it builds the8Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

ENDURANCE CAPACITY); how does the coach apply this training (this was an IMPORTANT
QUESTION); any effect of mitochondrial biogenesis; how many session per week (9-10
sessions); conventional training not followed-so what is the chance of injury (load is less in the
WATER). The importance of DAILY HIIT practice was emphasized, and its helps TEST the
RESULTS of the SWIMMERS. Finally, the discussions were centered on how to take all thisscience to the Indian context, and the need for JOINT RESEARCH LABORATORY and
DEVELOPING JOINT RESEARCH PROPOSALS and working together for also training theIndian-side Sport Scientists in the latest research techniques would be a way forward todevelop the Indian High Performance Centre, a goal of this visit and workshop. The Indian
Academy (SAINSA) is very good in one way, that it is focusing on sport more; but sometimes
the need for education and research is needed; i.e. working together with sport scientists in
the institutes and universities. This is what is in the Japanese system, which creates better
opportunities to develop sport science and help coaching for high performance.

- The fourth TALK was by Prof. Takagi, on Basic Biomechanics in Swimming – Practical Tips for
Swimming Faster-, mentioning that Coaches have to consider that it “maybe” depends on theswimmers. The components factors for swimming performance were discussed, including
STROKE PARAMETERS (swimming velocity-stroke frequency, length, index) and HOW TO SWIM
FASTER (balance of drag and propulsion, the type of drag, how to reduce the drag, generating
mechanism of the propulsion, and tips for increasing the propulsion). Does the stroke length
increase the stroke frequency? What about Water resistance?, the Hydrodynamic force; all incontext of SWIMMING FASTER. The take-home message was – that stroke length is strongly
related to the stroking technique; stroke frequency corresponds to the muscle power output,
endurance capacity; and to swim faster, a swimmer needs to maintain stroke techniqueregardless of fatigue situation and control of the stroke rate corresponding to anaerobic andaerobic capacity. Giving the TIPS, Prof. Takagi mentioned some points – “Increase stroke rate;
How to reduce drag?; Pre-preparation of the entry; Is the propulsive force appropriate or not?.
9Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

Finally, the participants (Dr. Panigrahi, National Swimming Coach, SAI) mentioned that the
TALKS were REFRESHING, and they obtained NEW IDEAS, and the most important was “getting
something new” from this workshop.

10Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017- Following the workshop, in the evening, we had the chance to meet the Director(Sports), Dr. S. P. Hooda at Shashtri Bhavan (MYAS). Drs. Sengoku and Takagi andmyself paid a courtesy call to Dr. Hooda’s Office, and apprised him of the Swimming
workshop progress and thanked him for his kind invitation to the same when we had ameeting in our University in June. Dr. Hooda was happy that we have followed up his
invitation with a well-panned workshop, and wished us the best on its success, andfuture collaborations to follow. Discussing various aspects on our cooperation (SAI –UT) focusing on sports science and also coaching aspects, including the next footballcoaching program in end of September in Tsukuba, and the pre-Games training camps
possibility in UT and Ibaraki prefecture, I informed of the plan of Joso City to submit a
proposal through the Embassy of India, S&T counselor, Dr. Rupal (also in charge of theSport portfolio). It was then, he recommended us to also meet the newly appointed
DDG-SAI, Shri. Sandip Pradhan; for the Japan-India cooperation on SPORT.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

2017, Sep. 13:
Day 3 (Final Day):
A) Site Visit to JNS- High Performance Laboratory:
Among the participants of the workshop, were Senior and Junior scientists of the
Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (SAI); and weplanned a pre-Day 3 workshop session, early morning visit to their laboratory andfacilities with Mr. Kakkar. Dr. Meenu Dhingra, Chief Scientific Officer of the HPL alongwith other colleagues was there to welcome us all, and we had the company of 2
Biomechanics specialist also. The focus of the laboratory is on sports such as footballand athletics; and the laboratory set up is also a new one, so at present, there arebasic facilities and techniques for sport sciences; the lack of new technology,
manpower and experts could be felt, due to the fact it is newly established. The
discussion was on the fact that SAI wishes to take it as a MODEL CENTRE for HUMANPERFORMANCE CENTRE/LABORATORY. The idea is to seek the support of Japanese
Universities/Institutes for guiding towards it (HPL) Centre development. From our side,
it was suggested that we can look for joint funding and establishment of joint researchlaboratory under DBT (GoI) and JSPS (MEXT), working together with the respective
Embassies in Tokyo and Delhi.

12Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

In all, a fruitful visit, seeing the facilities and talking to the scientists on how topromote cooperation and collaboration in HIGH PERFORMANCE sector.
B) Being at the HPL, next to the SAI HQ, we received an appointment with the newly
appointed - DDG-SAI, Shri. Sandip Pradhan -, and paid a courtesy visit at the SAI-HQ,
along with Mr. Kakkar. It was very encouraging meeting, and Shri. Pradhan informed usof the new Sports Science University and set-up for the development of sports sciences,emphasizing on the education and courses and research to be conducted therein; andwhere hand-holding by the Japanese Universities/Institutes and colleagues/scientists
would be required. Shri. Pradhan also emphasized the areas/sport disciplines ofimportance to India – Shooting/Wrestling/Boxing/Archery/Hockey/Badminton, forfurthercooperation;
andothersas–weightlifting/Tennis/Athletics/Swimming/Judo/Gymnastics. It was also emphasizedthat India will need support in areas of – i) Visiting faculty for the Sports Sciences
University and Research Centre’s – Game specific and sports science related, ii)
Coach education and elite coaching training, and iii) establishment of a Sports
Science Centre in Bangalore. We also discussed the importance of trained manpowerin the above for translating the knowledge to India, and also the technology for setting
up advanced high-performance centre (such as the one in swimming for which we arehaving the workshop and feasibility study). This will also be a case study for the firstphase of our cooperation and, once again, I requested the exchange of scientists and13

Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

coaches (foot is the next dedicated program we will do in Tsukuba, and whose result
will help further guide our next-level cooperation’s) on priority basis, which will bevery helpful to the Indian-side in getting International exposure and seeing the systemof working culture in sports sciences and coaching/education and training.

BACK to the SAINSA - WORKSHOPC) CLOSING DISCUSSIONS WITH Swimming ACADEMY COACHES, SAI CACHES and
SPORT SCIENTISTS:
Thanking all participants, Administrator, Coaches and Scientists and Professors fromJapan, the floor was opened for discussion on the learnings obtained and knowledge
shared, and specifically, the needs of the SAINSA need for setting up the High
Performance Centre – one of the aims of the workshop.
POINTS RAISED, specifically in Swimming context/some general comments1. Grassroots level system of sport is a must for developing sport as a whole; as indone in Japan; and which started following the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
2. Emphasis on the “inculcation of high level of coaching with sound scientificsupport” is the best way forward; and the coaching at SAINSA is very strong, it
was noted; however – presence of scientists is crucial for overall development.
3. As in Japan, the competition between Universities, for coaching and science, isvery strong, and it helps raise the platform; across all sports is required as
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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

noted by Dr. M. D. Ranga; and Prof. H. Takagi mentioning that 40-years before
it was the same situation for Japan.
4. Comment on the Delhi University and less involvement or lack of involvementin Sports Science was seen; and DU is involved in selecting the Teams. However,as noted above in Point 3), the Universities across India must use all available
manpower, in sports science.
5. Intervention (in sports context) by SAI will be needed, for changing grassroots
level involvement and improvement, counselling sessions, follow-up programs
after school; and most importantly a ROADMAP is needed.
6. What is the case in Japan – continuously from 6 to 12 years, and up to
high-school, the swimming is really important (island country, and need tosurvive). Prof. Takagi noted, India has advantage of high skills, and must be able
to use them well. Dr. Sengoku noted, even before 1964, Universities in Japan
was the place to train for swimmers; so education and sport went hand inhand.
7. So, it is recommended to MAKE A PLACE where swimmers can swim; to makean ACADEMY (as is here) across India; the idea is to TRAIN & GET EDUCATION.
So, in this sense, SAINSA is really doing well, a nice start.
8. HIGH-PERFORMANCE – 15 to 25 years, long-term planning required.
9. So, what do you need for Swimming, for the HPCentre? Specific support system
for scientists (physiology and biochemistry, psychology, others). Why is a
swimmer not performing? to sustain is a complex task. Need for all-roundscientific support. The coaches to also try learn the science. Coach has the load;so scientists must be at the pool. Facility improvement, high-throughput
scientific techniques for video motion capture and analysis; need for the swim
flume system; how to measure the strokes, the lactate analysis; testing VO2
max in water; identify room/lab location at the complex; needs for specialized
equipment such as TOUCH PAD system, FORCE PLATE system (maybe need forless-expensive home-made system as in Tsukuba; technology import to India,
including the new SUPPLEMENTS; revision of the fitness program and measuresof accuracy (yes, Japan has appropriate suppliers); EXCEPT STOPWATCH WE
HAVE NOTHING (there was frustration…); need for holistic technology support.
Thus, a need for not only strengthening the science (Academic Centres), butalso creating regional centres, Academies – the Process the Route must be
mapped.
10. TO SUM-UP: TECHNOLOGY – EQUIPMENT – COACH EMPOWERMENT BY
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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017

SCIENCE. Need for the “SWIM FLUME SYSTEM” at least at SAINSA. EXCHANGE
program for SWIMMERS with Japan. JOINT RESEARCH between India and Japan– A comparative study can be performed.

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Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences & Tsukuba International Academy for Sport
Studies (TIAS), University of Tsukuba

2017D) RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Submit a PROPOSAL for Establishing the High Performance Sports Science
Laboratory at the Dr. SPM SPC-SAINSA, New Delhi.
2. Included in the above proposal, simultaneously/ in parallel, set up a
MECHANISM with a targeted goal of having some Sport Scientist’s (including
the Biomechanics Experts – we met 2, Dr. M.D. Ranga, who said he was almost
at the end of his career, so he would suggest to help train the younger
scientist/biomechanist from Bangalore-Dr. Pravin Nair) and Coaches andSwimmers to visit University of Tsukuba (3-4 days site visit & Seminar on
University of Tsukuba Swimming Center and Research Aspects of Science andBiomechanics) and observe (and discuss) the whole system from Science to
Coaching to Training, which will help the matching of Indian-side needs andappropriate support to be provide from the Japanese-side. This should be donein this fiscal year, and following the SAICON2017 Conference in Delhi, so that a
DETAILED PROPOSAL can be SUBMITTED for consideration by SAI for the above
Centre; and hold further discussions on other regional HPCentre’s set-up.
3. Have a SKYPE meeting with those concerned on the next agenda and prepare
for a follow-up meeting during SAICON2017, in Delhi.

SUMMARY
The Workshop & Feasibility study was a highly interactive time with 2-Day four talks/lectureson latest topics in SWIMMING RESEARCH, HOT TOPICS and PERFORMANCE through
BIOMECHANICS and ELITE COACHING, and hot discussions with each TALK, along with site
visits to the swimming pool, and culminating on Day-3 with detailed feedback
session/discussions on workshop outcomes & requirement for the HIGH PEFORMANCECENTER & meeting and appraisal of the progress to Director Sports, Dr. S.P. Hooda (MYAS,
Shashtri Bhavan), who had extended this invitation at University of Tsukuba (TAIIKU-TIAS) joint
meeting, and finally with a Courtesy visit to introduce the Japanese delegation to the SAI,
Deputy Director General, Sh. Sandip Pradhan that resulted in a fruitful discussion on theNEXT-STEPS forward for the India-Japan cooperation on Sport, as formalized during the 2
countries, Japan and India, Prime Minister’s Annual Meeting in India, Sep. 13 to 15, 2017.

Thank you.
Dated: October 10th, 2017 (revised, Oct. 16th)
Signed:Randeep RAKWAL, Ph.D., Professor(Coordinator, UT [Japan] - SAI [India] Projects)

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