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A successful one-day workshop focusing on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) took place at the Return to Play Division, Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. This event was organized in a hybrid format by the Sports Science Division, previously known as NCSSR, under the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The workshop aimed to unite researchers, support personnel, and key stakeholders engaged in sports and clinical research to improve their knowledge of the ethical and regulatory frameworks that govern human studies.

The scientific sessions, led by ICMR experts, addressed essential topics including ICH-GCP (E6) principles, ICMR Ethical Guidelines, NDCTR 2019 provisions, the responsibilities of investigators and Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs), informed consent processes, and the management of serious adverse events (SAEs).

Dr. Stuti Bhargava, a Scientist-E at ICMR, highlighted the significance of Good Clinical Practice, stating, "GCP is an international ethical and scientific quality standard for the design, conduct, recording, and reporting of clinical trials involving human subjects. It safeguards participants' rights, safety, and well-being while ensuring the credibility and integrity of trial data. Adhering to these standards is crucial for regulatory submissions and compliance with globally recognized guidelines."

Brig. (Dr) Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Executive Director of the Sports Science Division at SAI, emphasized the importance of capacity-building initiatives. He remarked, "As sports science research increasingly incorporates advanced interventions and athlete-focused studies, following Good Clinical Practice is not just a regulatory obligation but a moral duty. Upholding ethical compliance, ensuring participant safety, and maintaining data integrity are essential for fostering trust and producing credible, high-quality evidence that enhances athlete performance and well-being." He also noted that such initiatives are crucial for educating researchers and practitioners about global best practices and fortifying India's sports science research framework.

The workshop highlighted the urgent need to align sports research in India with internationally recognized ethical standards. It reaffirmed the necessity of ensuring participant safety, regulatory compliance, and the credibility of scientific results, while promoting a culture of responsible and ethical research within the sports ecosystem.

The program concluded with an engaging valedictory session, characterized by active participation and a collective commitment to ongoing learning and enhancing clinical research governance.