Sprint time performance in pittu: A traditional Indian sport

Introduction: Pittu, a traditional sport deeply rooted in southern Asian culture, has been played since ancient times and holds national significance across multiple nations. This study aimed to assess the performance of male and female pittu players using the 20-m sprint time test, a valuable tool for evaluating running duration and enhancing players’ proficiency in the sport. In addition, the study focused on exploring the correlation between sprint performance and anthropometric factors that influence the players’ performance. Methodology: This study was conducted with a total of 48 pittu players, including 33 males and 15 females, who participated in the Second Senior National Pittu Championship organized by the Madhya Pradesh Pittu Association, under the Pittu Federation of India. The age range of the participants was 15–22 years. A sprint time test was administered, measuring the players’ performance over a distance of 20 m. Demographic variables and sprint performance data were collected for analysis. Results: The study presents valuable data of sprint performance measured by 20-m sprint performance test. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in weight (P = 0.003), bone mass (P = 0.023), and muscle mass (P = 0.0001) was observed between male and female participants in terms of sprint time performance. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed a negative correlation between sprint performance and specific demographic variables, including weight (P = 0.003), bone mass (P = 0.023), and muscle mass (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The findings shed light on the impact of gender on sprint performance in pittu players, emphasizing the importance of considering physiological characteristics when assessing and optimizing players’ performance in this traditional Indian sport. This study also highlights the negative correlation and significant differences associated with various physiological factors in relation to sprint time performance in pittu players.