MAM
The right mat: Boosting performance and safety in wrestling and kabaddi
In contact sports such as wrestling and kabaddi, the playing surface plays a critical role in determining athlete safety, comfort, and performance. The mat not only cushions falls but also influences how athletes move, grip, and balance during high-intensity encounters. While both sports are contact-driven and demand immense physicality, they have distinct characteristics that shape how the mat interacts with the athletes.
Injury prevention and safety
The prevention of injuries is a paramount concern in both wrestling and kabaddi, given the physical intensity and frequent body contact involved in both sports. The right mat can significantly reduce the risk of injury by providing adequate cushioning to absorb the force of falls, tackles, and other impacts.
In wrestling mat must be soft enough for cushion falls yet firm enough to allow for proper improvement and grip. Wrestlers engage in intense grappling, throws and takedowns all of which put pressure on the body. Mats that are too firm may fail to absorb the impact effectively, leading to increased risk of concussions, joint injuries, and bruising. Conversely, mats that are too soft may cause instability, making it harder for athletes to maintain their balance, potentially increasing the risk of sprains and twists. Additionally, modern wrestling mats are often coated with antimicrobial substances to prevent infections, which are which are common in close-contact sports
Athlete comfort
Athlete comfort is another critical factor influenced by the mat choice in both wrestling and kabaddi. Comfort not only affects an athlete’s immediate experience but also their long-term performance by reducing fatigue and injury.
In wrestling, the mat’s ability to provide a stable yet cushioned surface is crucial for minimizing joint stress. Wrestlers spend significant time grappling on the ground, and a comfortable mat can reduce the wear and tear on their bodies. The material and thickness of the mat play a significant role in determining the level of comfort. High-density foam mats are often preferred for wrestling, as they provide both comfort and support, allowing athletes to perform at their best without experiencing undue fatigue from harsh landings or prolonged groundwork.
Similarly, in kabaddi, where athletes must make rapid sprints and execute tackles in a small playing area, the mat’s comfort is critical. A surface that is too hard can lead to discomfort, reducing the players’ ability to make explosive movements, while a surface that is too soft can make it difficult to change direction quickly, affecting agility. The transition from traditional mud surfaces to synthetic mats has led to a need for materials that minimize discomfort and reduce the impact on joints during fast-paced action. Properly designed mats can help reduce fatigue, enabling players to maintain high performance over longer durations.
Impact on performance
The type of mat used in wrestling and kabaddi can directly impact athletic performance. In athletic mats, the right amount of grip allows athletes to execute takedowns, throws, and holds with precision. If the mat is too slippery, it can result in failed techniques or unnecessary slips, hindering performance. Grip is especially important in wrestling where leverage and positioning are key to gaining an advantage over the opponent. The surface texture of the mat should allow wrestlers to move fluidly while providing the necessary traction to maintain stability during aggressive movement.
In kabaddi, mat design is equally important for performance. As the game involves rapid sprints, sudden directional changes, and quick tackles, the mat must provide adequate grip for the feet. This prevents slipping during crucial movements, allowing players to maintain balance and control. A good quality mat can enhance player agility, giving them the confidence to perform complex maneuvers without the fear of losing their footing. Furthermore, the elasticity of the mat can affect how a player rebound from tackles and how quickly they can regain their footing which is crucial in a game where speed is paramount.
The choice of mats in kabaddi and wrestling is more than just a matter of comfort it is integral to injury prevention, athlete well-being, and peak performance. In wrestling, mats that balance the softness and firmness reduce the risk of injury while promoting optimal movement and grip. Similarly in Kabaddi, modern mats have evolved to provide comfort, safety, and agility allowing athletes to perform at their best. As both sports continue to develop, innovations in mat technology will play an increasingly important role in enhancing athlete safety, comfort, and performance on the mat.
The article has been authored by Gravolite director Paras Maheshwari.
Brands
YES Bank hands the keys to SBI veteran Vinay Tonse as it bets on a new era
Former SBI managing director appointed as YES Bank’s new MD and CEO
MUMBAI: YES Bank is done rebuilding. Now it wants to grow. The private sector lender has appointed Vinay Muralidhar Tonse as managing director and chief executive officer-designate, with RBI approval secured and a start date of April 6, 2026 confirmed. The three-year term signals the bank’s intent to shift gears from crisis recovery to full-throttle expansion.
Tonse, 60, is no stranger to scale. Most recently managing director at State Bank of India, he oversaw a retail book of roughly $800bn in deposits and advances, one of the largest in the country. Before that, he ran SBI Mutual Fund from August 2020 to December 2022, a stint that saw assets under management surge from Rs 4.32 lakh crore to Rs 7.32 lakh crore across market cycles. Add stints in Singapore and four years leading SBI’s overseas operations in Osaka, and the incoming chief arrives with a genuinely global CV.
His academic grounding is equally solid: a commerce degree from St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and a master’s in commerce from Bangalore University.
The appointment follows an extensive search and evaluation process by the bank’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee. NRC chairperson Nandita Gurjar said the committee unanimously backed Tonse, citing his leadership track record, governance credentials and ability to drive the bank’s next phase of transformation.
Non-executive chairman Rama Subramaniam Gandhi was unequivocal. “I am certain that Vinay Tonse, with his vast experience as a senior banker, will propel YES Bank to its next phase of growth,” Gandhi said, adding that the bank remains focused on strengthening its retail and corporate banking franchises and expanding its branch network.
Rajeev Kannan, non-executive director and senior executive at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, the bank’s largest shareholder, said Tonse’s experience across retail, corporate banking, global markets and asset management positioned him well to lead the lender. SMBC said it looks forward to working with Tonse and the board as YES Bank pursues its ambition of becoming a top-tier private sector lender anchored in strong governance and sustainable growth.
Tonse succeeds Prashant Kumar, who took the helm in March 2020 when YES Bank was in freefall following a severe financial crisis, and spent six years painstakingly stabilising the institution, rebuilding governance and restoring operational scale. Gandhi was generous: “The bank remains indebted to Prashant Kumar, who is responsible for much of what a strong financial powerhouse YES Bank is today.”
Tonse, for his part, struck a purposeful note. “Together with the board and my colleagues, I remain deeply committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders,” he said, pledging to build on Kumar’s foundation guided by his personal motto: Make A Difference.
Beyond the balance sheet, Tonse played cricket at college and club level and represented Karnataka in archery at the national championships — sports he credits with teaching him teamwork, situational leadership, discipline and focus. In quieter moments, he reaches for retro Kannada music, classic Hindi songs, and the crooning of Engelbert Humperdinck, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
YES Bank has its steady-handed rebuilder in Kumar to thank for survival. Now it has a scale-obsessed growth banker at the wheel. The next chapter starts April 6.
