Introduction
Sports is not just about physical strength or endurance. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sports have become more strategic, data-driven, and efficient. AI helps in multiple areas—from managing teams and ensuring fair play to developing game strategies and analyzing competitors. Globally, countries are adopting AI to enhance performance, coaching efficiency, and injury prevention. Even referees now rely on AI tools to make fair decisions in real time.
Sports are no longer just a source of national pride but also a major sector of economic investment, player valuation, and strategic management. The physical ability of players alone is not enough to secure success in today’s competitive environment. For example, Recent developments show that major leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) have attracted billions in investment, with teams spending enormous sums to secure top talent, facilities, and training. For example, IPL franchises have been sold for over $1 billion, driven by lucrative broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals. This intense financial commitment highlights the need for teams to optimize performance through effective training and strategy, which is where AI plays a critical role. Similarly, in football, clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid invest heavily—over $1 billion—in scouting, player development, and technology to ensure they remain competitive at the highest levels.
In this context, to stand in international equality, it is essential for Nepal to also adapt and harness AI technologies in its sports framework.
Advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), are essential to optimize performance, prevent injuries, analyze opponents, and ensure fair play. Globally, countries have adopted AI to maintain their competitive edge, and Nepal too must embrace these innovations to keep pace.
Nepal, too, has made progress. Nepali motorsports players recently competed in E-sports category, in Spain’s international arena, similarly we have also heard that the Nepali PUBG team secured victory on the global stage. These are just an example; these achievements show that Nepal has talented youth excelling in non-traditional sports. But to keep pace with global developments, Nepal must embrace the digital transformation of sports by integrating AI solutions across different disciplines.
This article explains what AI is, how it is transforming sports, and why it is necessary for Nepal to adopt these innovations. As the saying goes, “Strength without knowledge is like running in the dark.” Even power-intensive sports like wrestling and boxing need more than brute strength—they demand technical expertise and strategic precision. This is where AI plays a crucial role in modern sports.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI refers to the development of machines and software systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning from data, recognizing patterns, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI operates through algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data and provide insights to support decisions and automate processes.
What is AI and in What Forms Does It Exist?
Rather than viewing AI as a box or a physical object, it is best experienced through various tools and systems. AI operates as software, sensors, machines, and online platforms across multiple fields. Here are some main examples:
AI as Software:
- Examples: Chatbots – AI often responds when you interact with banks or customer support.
- How It Appears: In the form of mobile phone apps, chat boxes on websites, or programs running on computers.
AI as Machines and Robots:
- Examples: Smart robots – Robots working in manufacturing plants.
- How It Appears: They are seen as machines equipped with sensors and connected software.
AI Used in Sports:
- Examples: Hawk-Eye system – A system that tracks the trajectory of the ball in cricket and tennis.
- How It Appears: This involves various cameras, sensors, and computer systems, with the final result displayed on a screen.
Invisible AI:
- Examples: YouTube’s recommendation system – It suggests new videos based on what you like.
- How It Appears: It cannot be seen in a tangible form, but can be felt through the services and experiences it provides.
Now we can say ,AI is not a limited object contained within a box, nor is it just one machine. It is a combination of software and hardware that can manifest as an app on your mobile device, a robot, or integrated within a camera or tracker. It enables machines to learn, solve problems, and make decisions.
Therefore, if someone asks, “What is AI, and what does it look like?” the answer should be—AI is not a fixed box; it is a combination of various systems and technologies that can be experienced through your phone, computer, machine, or online platform.
What is Sports AI?
In the sports world, AI is used to enhance training, monitor athlete performance, prevent injuries, develop game strategies, manage events, and engage fans. AI tools process data from games, players, and the environment to improve accuracy in decisions and performance. From wearable sensors tracking player movements to video assistant referees (VAR) in football, sports AI ensures better outcomes, fair play, and efficient event management.
The Needs of AI in Nepali’s Sports
Nepal’s sports ecosystem faces several challenges, including limited resources, training infrastructure, and access to international-level coaching. AI offers a solution to bridge these gaps by:
- Optimizing player performance: AI can help athletes train more effectively by monitoring their strengths and weaknesses.
- Preventing injuries: Wearable devices can detect early signs of fatigue or injury risk, preventing long-term setbacks.
- Enhancing strategy: AI can analyze opponents’ strategies, providing a competitive edge to Nepali athletes.
- Improving sports management: AI systems can streamline scheduling, crowd management, and ticketing, reducing manual errors.
- Preserving expertise: AI can store and replicate the techniques of legends like Dipak Bista and Baikuntha Manandhar, allowing future athletes to learn from their experience.
Gaps in AI Adoption in Nepal
Nepal lags behind other countries in adopting AI-based tools and infrastructure in sports. The primary gaps include:
- Lack of awareness among athletes, coaches, and sports organizations about AI’s benefits.
- Limited funding for AI technologies and wearable devices.
- Inadequate training programs to teach coaches and athletes how to use AI systems effectively.
- Absence of local AI infrastructure for data collection and analysis in sports.
Action Plan for Implementing AI in Nepali Sports
To successfully integrate AI into Nepali sports, the following action plan is recommended:
- Awareness and Training Programs:
- Organize workshops and seminars for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators on the benefits of AI.
- Partner with universities and research centers to promote sports technology development.
- Invest in Wearables and Software:
- Acquire AI-based wearable devices like Catapult Sports for monitoring athlete performance.
- Use Hawk-Eye and VAR systems in cricket and football matches to ensure fair play.
- Data Collection and Management:
- Establish a sports data center to collect and analyze data from various sports events.
- Collaborate with private sector firms for AI infrastructure development.
- Preserve Expertise through AI:
- Digitally capture the techniques of athletes like Dipak Bista and Baikuntha Manandhar using Vicon Motion Capture systems.
- Develop AI-driven training modules based on these insights to guide future athletes.
- Pilot Programs in Key Sports:
- Implement AI solutions in sports like cricket, football, and marathon running to demonstrate the benefits.
- Monitor progress and expand the use of AI based on pilot program results.
Examples of AI Technologies Used in Sports
- Hawk-Eye (Cricket & Tennis): Tracks ball movement and assists in umpiring decisions.
- VAR (Football): Supports referees in making accurate calls on goals and fouls.
- Catapult Sports (Rugby & Football): Monitors player workload to prevent injuries.
- Vicon Motion Capture (Multiple Sports): Captures athlete movements to optimize biomechanics.
- RunScribe (Running): Tracks running cadence and stride efficiency.
- Second Spectrum (Basketball): Analyzes player movements and tactics in real time.
- FocusCalm (Mental Conditioning): Tracks brainwaves to enhance focus and resilience.
- Statcast (Baseball): Provides in-depth performance analysis during games.
Case Study 1: Dipak Bista – AI for Taekwondo Excellence
Dipak Bista, Nepal’s Taekwondo Olympian, holds four SAF gold medals and has represented Nepal at the Olympics. His unique techniques and mental strategies are invaluable, but passing this knowledge to future athletes can be challenging. AI tools like Vicon Motion Capture can capture his movements, and wearables can track his agility, reaction time, and power output. By analyzing this data, AI can generate personalized training programs for future athletes, ensuring they benefit from his expertise.
Case Study 2: Baikuntha Manandhar – Preserving a Marathon Legacy
Baikuntha Manandhar, a four-time South Asian Games gold medalist, exemplifies endurance and mental resilience. Using AI-powered tools like RunScribe, his running cadence, stride efficiency, and ground contact time can be analyzed. These insights will help young marathon runners train more effectively by replicating the strategies Baikuntha used to achieve success in Nepal’s challenging terrains.
Conclusion: The Future of AI in Nepali Sports
AI has become an essential tool in global sports, transforming the way athletes train, strategize, and compete. For Nepal to develop world-class athletes and compete on the global stage, it must embrace AI technology across all major sports disciplines. The expertise of sports legends like Dipak Bista and Baikuntha Manandhar must be captured and preserved through AI to guide future generations.
Nepal’s path toward AI integration will require awareness, investment, and collaboration between sports organizations, private enterprises, and the government. With the right approach, Nepal can unlock the full potential of its athletes, ensuring sustainable growth in its sports ecosystem and creating champions who can proudly represent the nation on the world stage.
Author
Mr. Anil Kumar Baral is the Vice President of the Nepal Automobile Association and the first national motorsports player of Nepal, representing the highest level of motorsports in France in 2022. He has competed in international arenas as a national player in over five countries and is a certified motorsports trainer and marshal in Nepal.
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