I am Dr. A. Praveen, a seasoned academic and sports education professional with over two decades of experience in physical education, sports science, and coaching. As a Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sports & Deputy Director of Sports at Pondicherry University since 2011, I have made significant contributions to sports research, training, and development at national and international levels.
I hold a Ph.D. in Physical Education from Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, with my doctoral research focused on the construction of skill tests and norms for college-level soccer players. Additionally, I hold an M.Phil., an M.P.Ed., an MBA, and a postgraduate diploma in sports management. A UGC-NET qualification in Physical Education complements my academic background.
My career spans various teaching and administrative roles, including prior appointments at Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University and Visva-Bharati University. My core teaching and research interests lie in sports training, exercise physiology, research methodology, football coaching, and athletics. I had supervised numerous M.Phil. and 14 Ph.D Scholars and completed a major ICSSR-funded research project on health and socio-economic conditions of marginalized students in Tamil Nadu.
In sports coaching, holds the prestigious AFC “B” License and has completed specialized training from the Sports Authority of India. As a football coach, he has served as the head coach of the Pondicherry Santosh Trophy team and was a selector for the Indian U-19 Football Team for the 2017 World Cup. His personal athletic achievements include representing Alagappa University and Tamil Nadu State in football and athletics at the national level.
I am a prolific researcher, having authored over 65 peer-reviewed journal articles and presented numerous papers at international and national conferences. I have also published two books and contributed chapters on sports analytics. I have been invited as a resource person and chair at various seminars and international conferences in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.
A strong advocate for scientific sports coaching and education played multiple roles beyond teaching as a sports board member, editorial board member, and expert committee adviser for organizations such as the Staff Selection Commission and Kashmir Public Service Commission. I am also a life member of several professional bodies, including the Pan Asia Society of Sports and Physical Education and the Indian Federation of Computer Science in Sports.
Recognized for my dedication, I received the Best Teacher Merit Certificate from Pondicherry University in 2014. I continue contributing to the university’s sports excellence as a coach and manager for football and athletics teams, consistently guiding them to podium finishes.
Through a blend of academic rigor, hands-on coaching, and policy-level involvement, I exemplify leadership in the field of sports education and development in India

Exercise Physiology, Sports Management ,Football & Athletics ,Health Fitness & Nutrition Management