NE India's first certified Sports Dentist conducts PCDA for State boxers ahead of sub-junior Nationals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2026: In a first-of-its-kind initiative for the state, a Pre-Competition Dental Assessment (PCDA) programme was successfully conducted for athletes selected to represent Manipur at the 5 th (U-15) Sub-Junior Boys & Girls National Boxing Championship 2026.The championship is slated for June 23 to 29, 2026, at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab.

The programme was led by Dr Bishworbanta Karam, the first Certified Sports Dentist from the North-East Region of India.

The assessment focused on identifying oral health issues that could impact sporting performance and raising awareness about the critical role of oral healthcare in sports.

"Optimal athletic performance requires optimal health, and oral health is a fundamental part of that equation", said Dr Bishworbanta Karam in a press release issued in this regard.

"Dental infections, gum disease, untreated tooth decay, and sports-related oral injuries can adversely affect an athlete's fitness, nutrition, recovery, concentration, and overall performance", he said.

Sports Dentistry has emerged as a specialized field dedicated to athlete welfare through preventive oral healthcare, early detection of dental diseases, and the use of custom-fabricated sports mouthguards to reduce the risk of dental and facial injuries, he said.

The initiative was undertaken with active support from the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur, reflecting its commitment to holistic athlete welfare.

The Manipur Amateur Boxing Association (MABA) played a key role in facilitating the programme for the state contingent.

The Indian Academy for Sports Dentistry (IASD), operating under the aegis of the Indian Dental Association (IDA), supported the programme to promote awareness of oral health in athletic performance and injury prevention.

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