Tata Steel on Friday inaugurated a high performance centre, the first of its kind in the state, for professional sportspersons at JRD Tata Sports Complex.

Complete with psychologists, nutritionists and high-tech equipment, the centre was inaugurated by Tata Steel vice- president (corporate services) Chanakya Chaudhary in the presence of Jamshedpur FC CEO Mukul Choudhari and Tata Steel’s head of sports department Ashish Kumar.

The centre, to be managed by an eight-member team, will help sportpersons perform better and recuperate faster following an injury.

A team of experts comprising strength and conditioning coaches, psychologists, nutrionists, physiotherapists, masseuse and sports analysts will work on the all-round development of athletes.

The centre will also have technology support to conduct video and biomechanical analysis of athletes. Cadets of Tata Steel’s archery, hockey and football centres besides members of Tata Steel Adventure Foundation and Jamshedpur FC will benefit from the centre.

“The centre will groom athletes professionally besides catering to their individual needs,” Chaudhary said.

The centre will have a cryotherapy chamber used to relieve muscle pain, sprains and swelling after tissue damage. The temperature inside the chamber can be lowered to a -180°C depending on the type of injury. There isa VO2 Max that can measure the maximum amount of oxygen a person can utilise during intense exercise. The hypoxic chamber is designed to simulate oxygen concentration at at higher altitude. Besides, there are equipment to improve stamina, strength, agility, flexibility, speed and coordination.

“The equipment and the customised training will help cadets prepare cadets for better on-field performance,” said Aman Jadhav, one of the coaches at the centre.