Wellness of Athletes Key to Success in 2025 Season, Says Dronacharya Awardee Robert Bobby George

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The wellness of athletes will be a crucial focus as we prepare for the 2025 season, which includes the World Athletics Championships, says Robert Bobby George, Dronacharya awardee in athletics and head of the Anju Bobby George Sports Foundation, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

Robert Bobby George, husband of Olympian and World bronze medalist Anju Bobby George, has initiated a wellness program at the academy, incorporating the principles of Ayurveda to help athletes maintain peak performance throughout the competitive season.

"In preparation for the next season, we've started a rehabilitation and rejuvenation process through Ayurveda at the academy," Robert explained. "We are confident that the athletes will see long-term benefits from this initiative."

Shaili Singh sets sight on World University Games

One of the standout athletes under Robert's guidance is Shaili Singh, the World U20 silver medalist in long jump. Despite extensive international exposure in May and June, Shaili fell short of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. However, Robert is optimistic about her future.

"She [Shaili] is currently going through rehab, both mentally and physically, to recover from the demanding 2024 season," Robert added. "She will resume training soon and will compete at the All India Inter-University Athletics Meet later this year."

Shaili has set her sights on a podium finish at the 2025 World University Games, with the upcoming Inter-University Meet serving as a qualification event, Robert confirmed. Beyond that, Shaili will also aim to excel at the 2025 Asian Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Championships.

Looking ahead, Robert emphasized that the 2025 season won't be as challenging as the Olympic year of 2024, but strong performances will be vital for building momentum for the 2026 season.

Shaili's personal best of 6.76m was recorded in Bengaluru in April 2023, while her season's best of 6.59m came at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, during a national domestic meet. The Panchkula meet was her final attempt to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

At 20 years old, Shaili will be skipping the Indian Open U23 Athletics Meet, which begins on September 28 in Patna, Bihar. However, Robert will accompany a group of athletes to the meet.

"We're fielding five athletes in the U23 national meet in Patna," Robert said. "Apart from long jump, our trainees will compete in the triple jump and 100m hurdles. By next year, we expect to have at least four to five long jumpers hitting distances between 6.40 to 6.50m."