As participation in sports and fitness activities continues to rise across
India, sports related injuries are becoming increasingly common among both professional
athletes and recreational fitness enthusiasts. Addressing this growing healthcare need, Manipal
Hospital Millers Road has launched its dedicated Sports Injury Care Centre, offering specialised
diagnosis and treatment for knee and shoulder injuries through advanced arthroscopic and
sports surgery.

Indias young population is driving a growing fitness movement, with nearly 65% of the
population below the age of 35 embracing sports and physical activity. Around 23% of Indians
participate in sports, leading to a rise in injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage
damage, rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are
essential for better recovery and preventing long term joint damage.

The Sports Injury Care Centre provides evidence based care through comprehensive clinical
evaluation and advanced imaging. While many injuries can be managed conservatively with
medication, physiotherapy and activity modification, patients requiring surgery have access to
minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures that enable precise joint repair with less
postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

Led by Dr. Chirag Thonse, Shoulder and Knee Surgeon and Specialist in Arthroscopy & Sports
Surgery, Manipal Hospital Millers Road, the dedicated Sports Injury Centre offers advanced
procedures including meniscus transplantation, shoulder patch augmentation, advanced
ligament reconstruction, and cartilage restoration surgeries. The orthopaedic team performs
nearly 1,600 surgeries annually, including around 700 sports-related procedures, providing
comprehensive care to recreational sportspersons as well as national and international
athletes.

The inauguration was also graced by Dr. Manish Rai, Zonal Director, Manipal Hospitals; Dr.
Niranjan Rai, Director, Manipal Hospital Millers Road; Mr. Kumar Bangarappa, President,
Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA); Mr. Hanif Mohammed, Deputy Secretary, Karnataka
State Football Association (KSFA); Mr. Muralidhar, Secretary, Badminton Association; Mr.
Aravind Gowda, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA); and Dr. Nishant, Executive
Committee Member, Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA), who expressed their support
for the initiative and underscored the growing importance of specialized sports medicine in
enabling athletes to recover from injuries and return to peak performance.

Dr. Chirag Thonse, added, "The growing enthusiasm for sports and fitness has changed the
profile of injuries we see today. Sports injuries are no longer limited to competitive athletes;
they affect anyone leading an active lifestyle. While surgery is not required in every case, early
diagnosis and the right treatment approach are essential for faster recovery and preventing
long-term joint damage. Our focus is on delivering personalised, evidence-based care that
enables patients to safely return to their pre-injury level of activity."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar Bangarappa, President, Karnataka Badminton Association
(KBA), said, “Injuries are an inevitable part of sports, and for athletes, they can pose a significant
threat to both performance and career progression. Timely diagnosis, expert treatment, and
structured rehabilitation are essential for a successful return to competition. The establishment
of a dedicated Sports Injury Centre at Manipal Hospital has been a major milestone, providing
state of the art care and enabling countless athletes across the state to recover faster and
continue pursuing excellence in their sporting careers.”

With this launch, Manipal Hospital Millers Road aims to establish the Sports Injury Care Centre
for professional athletes and recreational sportspersons with sports related injuries. Backed by
a multidisciplinary team and personalised treatment plans, the centre will support patients
from injury recovery to a safe return to peak performance.