Author(s): Dr. A Anbumalar and K Kokila

Abstract:
Successful athletic performance is combination of good physical fitness, proper training and a sensible approach to nutrition. Sports person needs good quality food and fitness. Without the right kind and proportion of foods to balance body’s nutrient needs even the physical conditioning and expert coaching do not suffice to bring out the best. Adequate nutrition is vital to peak athletic performance. Nutritional needs of the athletes must be met by proper balanced diet for better performance. Studies show that proper nutrition for young athletes is critical not only to their athletic success, but more importantly to their growth, development and overall health, hence athletes must fuel their bodies with the appropriate nutritional foods to meet their energy requirements in competition, training and recovery. A descriptive cross sectional study has been carried out in Chidambaram town, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu among physical education students of 19- 20 years in Annamalai University. Totally 114 students were included for the study. Students with chronic diseases were excluded and students, willing to participate were included for the study. The result of this study proved that, some of the sports girls and boys are underweight. Dietary practices / Food preferences of most of the sports girls were not in adequate level. Nutritional education to create awareness and Nutritional supplementation to improve their food habits are the significant point to be focused for the good health and better performance of sports persons.

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