New Delhi, 15 November (H.S.): The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) on Sunday appointed Swedish strength and conditioning expert Mats Rickard Nilsson as its Head of Sports Science. He will work towards enhancing the capabilities and performance of Indian boxers in the run-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Nilsson, who has previously worked with the Swedish Olympic contingent, will collaborate closely with athletes and coaching staff to strengthen scientific training methodologies, monitor performance and support athlete development. His tenure will continue until the 2028 Olympics.

In an official statement, BFI president Ajay Singh described the appointment as an important step towards strengthening the federation’s sports science framework and incorporating a structured, evidence-based approach into athletes’ preparation.

He said that through a combination of direct engagement with the team and continuous remote support, the initiative would focus on regular performance assessments, scientific training interventions and individualised development plans for each boxer.

Nilsson, a former Swedish Olympic weightlifter, has previously worked with Indian boxers in 2019. He brings more than 30 years of experience in strength and conditioning, having worked with elite athletes at the international level.

Under the current terms of his engagement with the BFI, Nilsson will spend a total of 75 days each year working directly with the Indian boxing team across multiple phases. During the remainder of the year, he will provide remote support to the federation’s Sports Science team.

Nilsson said he was delighted to join the Indian boxing programme and was looking forward to contributing to a team with considerable potential. Having observed the boxers, coaches and support staff, he believes the team has a strong foundation on which to build.

He said his primary focus would be to work closely with the coaching team to develop a coordinated approach to physical preparation, training-load management, rest and recovery. He aims to ensure that every aspect of an athlete’s preparation contributes meaningfully to improved performance.

The broader objective, he added, would be to help Indian boxers maintain their fitness, deliver consistent performances and progress to the next level on the international stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar