Pressure was immense but reward satisfying

Prasanth Panchada

By Bipin Dani  

In the high-stakes world of professional sports, the focus often shines brightest on the athletes and coaches who push the limits of human performance. Yet, behind every spectacular goal, every record-breaking sprint, and every moment of triumph, there is a team of unsung heroes dedicated to making these achievements possible. I am proud to serve as the sports physiotherapist for a championship-winning team, a role that intertwines science, dedication, and a profound commitment to human potential.   

Each day starts early and ends late, revolving not just around the physical health of our athletes, but their mental and emotional well-being too. The core of my job is prevention as much as it is treatment. This means meticulously planning each player’s routine to include not only rehabilitation exercises but also proactive strategies to prevent injuries before they happen.   
One of the most critical aspects of my job is trust. Athletes rely on me to get them back on the field as quickly and safely as possible, which sometimes means managing their eagerness as they heal. It’s a delicate balance between pushing limits and ensuring safety, and each decision is backed by a combination of cutting-edge science and years of experience.   

A significant part of our success comes from personalized care. No two bodies are the same, and thus, treatments are tailored to each athlete’s unique physiological and psychological profile. This bespoke approach increases the effectiveness of our interventions and supports faster recovery times.   

Education also plays a pivotal role in what we do. We spend considerable time teaching our players about their bodies, how to listen to its signals, and when to act. This knowledge empowers them, fostering a sense of autonomy and partnership in their own treatment processes.   

The gratification of this job comes not just from seeing our team lift trophies, but from knowing that each intervention helps someone do what they love, free from pain and limitation. It’s about seeing a player return to the field after a challenging injury, their resilience and determination shining through, reflecting our collective effort and dedication.   

In the competitive world of sports, the pressures are immense, but so are the rewards. The camaraderie, the constant pursuit of excellence, and the sheer joy of contributing to a team’s success make every long day worthwhile. As I support these athletes in reaching their peak potentials, I too, grow and evolve in my field—always learning, always striving, and always ready for the next challenge.   

Being a sports physio is more than a job; it’s a commitment to excellence and human potential that goes beyond the game. It’s a responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly every single day.  

(Prasanth Panchada is a renowned physio who is associated with the KKR team and many other franchise teams. He was also a national team physio for the Afghanistan team).