The landscape of Indian women’s kabaddi is undergoing a significant technical transformation at the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary. Veteran all-rounder Sonali Shingate has voiced her enthusiastic support for the ongoing high-performance camp, which prioritizes advanced athletic conditioning over traditional practice methods. This shift represents a broader effort by the AKFI and Mashal Sports to modernize the sport’s preparation phase.
Shingate is a highly decorated athlete, having secured a gold medal at the 2025 World Cup and a silver at the 2018 Asian Games. Following her recent podium finish with the Indian Railways at the 72nd National Championship in Hyderabad, she brings a wealth of perspective to this collaborative initiative. She believes that the current training environment is essential for athletes who wish to compete at the highest international levels.
Key features of the IIS Bellary training camp include:
- Data-Driven Conditioning: Implementation of scientific protocols to enhance raw power and agility.
- Injury Mitigation: Elite-level recovery management designed to reduce the physical toll of a contact-heavy sport.
- Workload Monitoring: Professional oversight of training intensity to ensure players do not reach a point of burnout.
- Generational Mentorship: A collaborative atmosphere that allows seasoned internationals to train alongside emerging prospects.
According to Shingate, the move toward a science-backed methodology is a major departure from previous training cycles. “The focus on strength and conditioning here is something new for many of us. It’s helping us understand how to train better and improve our overall performance,” she remarked. She noted that the sessions, which began on March 27, are demanding but yield tangible results in terms of physical readiness.
Injury prevention has become a central theme of the camp, which is scheduled to conclude on April 2. Shingate admitted that older training styles often neglected the crucial balance between extreme physical exertion and downtime. “Earlier, we didn’t always focus enough on recovery and managing workload, which sometimes led to injuries. With this kind of scientific approach, players can stay fitter and perform better,” she explained.
The camp also serves as a melting pot for different tiers of talent, fostering a spirited internal rivalry that benefits the entire squad. Shingate observed that the presence of both established legends and hungry newcomers has created a culture of continuous growth. “Training together motivates both seniors and juniors. We push each other to improve, and that healthy competition helps raise everyone’s level,” she concluded.
