Sports-Related Injuries in Indian Adolescents (2015–2024) – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Sports-related injuries among adolescent athletes taking part in competitive sports in India represent a significant public health challenge, yet systematic national-level data on this topic stays limited. This review critically analyses injury databases and research studies published between 2015 and 2024, aiming to understand the prevalence, types, risk factors, and impact of these injuries. The analysis revealed considerable variability in injury rates across different sports and contexts, with overall prevalence often exceeding 40 to 50 percent, as reported in the Lucknow study (48.5 percent). Lower extremity injuries, particularly ankle and knee sprains, were the most often reported, while contact sports such as football, wrestling, and Kabaddi showed comparatively higher injury rates. Key risk factors included male gender, high training load, and inadequate warm-up. Although overuse injuries and head injuries were less often reported, they are an area requiring further research. The available evidence is largely limited to urban or institutional settings, highlighting the lack of a national surveillance system. In conclusion, targeted prevention strategies such as structured warm-up protocols, coach education programs, and sports medicine support are crucial. Collaborative efforts among sports administrators, coaches, and healthcare professionals are essential to develop a standardized national surveillance and prevention framework to ensure the safety of adolescent athletes and strengthen evidence-based policies.

Keywords - Sports-related injuries; Adolescent athletes; Injury prevalence; Risk factors; Injury prevention