Anthropometric Characteristics and Somatotype of Elite Indian Boxers

Abstract

Introduction: Limited research exists on the anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes of elite Indian male boxers, motivating this study to fill the gap and provide insights into the variations across weight categories for talent identification and performance enhancement in Indian boxing. The study aimed to examine variations in anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes of elite Indian boxers in three different weight categories: light weight boxers (< 60 kg), middle weight boxers (61-74 kg), and heavy weight boxers (> 75 kg). Methods: Data were collected from 35 elite Indian male boxers with age ranges from 19 - 29 years at NSNIS, Patiala during the boxing national camp 2021. Anthropometric variables were measured following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) standardized methods, Heath and Carter’s somatotype equation were used for somatotype calculation. Results: Mean height, weight and somatotype of the elite Indian male boxers were 175.2 ± 8.4, 69 ± 15.3 and 2.3 ± 1.0 – 4.9 ± 0.9 – 2.9 ± 1.1 respectively. Conclusions:  Light weight boxers are ectomorphic mesomorph, middle weight boxers are balanced mesomorph and heavy weight boxers are endomorphic mesomorph with greater height and BMI.