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.
India’s 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.
