editor.mrrjournal@gmail.com +91-9650568176 E-ISSN: 2584-184X

MRR Journal

Abstract

Indian Journal of Modern Research and Reviews, 2026; 4(6): 183-188

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies of Injuries Among Amateur Athletes in India

Author Name: Dr. Sangeeta

1. Associate Professor of Physical Education, PG Govt. College for Women Sec-14 Panchkula, Haryana, India

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Amateur sports participation has grown substantially across India over the past two decades, coinciding with a rise in sports-related injuries. Unlike professional athletes, amateur players frequently lack access to qualified coaching, appropriate protective equipment, and sports medicine facilities, placing them at disproportionate risk.</p>

<p><strong>Objectives:</strong> This systematic review synthesises evidence from five peer-reviewed Indian studies to examine the prevalence, anatomical distribution, risk factors, and prevention strategies of injuries among amateur athletes in India.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong> A structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies published from 2016 to 2025, focusing on sports injuries in Indian amateur, recreational or student athletes, were included.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong> Sports injury prevalence among Indian amateurs ranged from 18.4% to 73.4%, with lower limb injuries accounting for 57%&ndash;61% of all injuries. Key risk factors included inadequate warm-up, poor technique, absence of formal training, previous injury, age, gender and sport type. Contact sports such as football, kabaddi and wrestling demonstrated the highest injury rates.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Comprehensive, population-specific injury prevention programs, structured warm-up protocols, improved sports medicine infrastructure and regionalised surveillance systems are urgently needed to protect amateur athletes across India.</p>

Keywords

sports injuries, amateur athletes, India, prevalence, risk factors, injury prevention, musculoskeletal injuries.