NUTRITION AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN GARO SPORTS: AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS FROM THE GARO HILLS OF MEGHALAYA

Abstract

Nutrition plays a crucial role in determining athletic performance, particularly within indigenous sporting traditions where dietary practices are closely linked to culture, environment, and livelihood patterns. This study explores the relationship between nutrition and athletic performance in Garo sports, adopting an anthropological perspective from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The research examines traditional dietary habits, locally available food resources, and their impact on the physical endurance, strength, and overall performance of Garo athletes. Using a qualitative research design, the study is based on field observations, interviews with local athletes, trainers, and community elders, and an analysis of indigenous knowledge systems related to food and health. The findings reveal that traditional Garo diets, rich in locally sourced grains, vegetables, meat, and fermented foods, contribute significantly to sustaining physical fitness and stamina. However, changing lifestyles, market influences, and the gradual shift towards processed foods are affecting nutritional patterns and, consequently, athletic performance. The study highlights the need to integrate scientific nutritional interventions with indigenous dietary practices to enhance sports performance while preserving cultural identity. It also emphasizes the importance of policy-level support, awareness programs, and community-based initiatives to promote balanced nutrition among athletes in the region. This research contributes to the anthropology of sports by demonstrating how cultural food practices intersect with physical performance and health outcomes in indigenous communities.