Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing the way sporting performance is measured,
interpreted, and managed. The convergence of machine learning, computer vision, wearable
sensors, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and multimodal data systems has
created new possibilities for athlete assessment, talent identification, tactical analysis, injury
risk estimation, rehabilitation, officiating, and fan engagement. In India, this technological
transition is particularly relevant because of the country’s large and diverse athlete population,
expanding sports infrastructure, professional leagues, and growing emphasis on scientific
talent identification. The Sports Authority of India has already incorporated AI-enabled
assessment concepts into the proposed Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI)
portal, including video-based assessment, automated measurement, standardized evaluation,
and centralized athlete reporting. At the research level, AI has demonstrated potential in
performance prediction, injury-risk assessment, cricket analytics, wearable-based monitoring,
and adaptive sports. However, the evidence also shows important limitations, including small
and unrepresentative datasets, insufficient external validation, limited interpretability, privacy
concerns, algorithmic bias, and unequal access to advanced technology. This article critically
examines the current and emerging role of AI in Indian sports and proposes a human-centred
framework in which AI functions as a decision-support technology rather than a replacement
for coaches, sports scientists, physicians, and athletes. Particular attention is given to the
Indian sporting context, including talent identification, performance optimization, injury
prevention, cricket analytics, sports medicine, adaptive sports, and governance. The article
concludes that the effective integration of AI into Indian sports will depend not simply on
acquiring advanced technology but on developing high-quality Indian datasets, interdisciplinary
expertise, ethical governance, explainable models, and affordable systems that can operate
across both elite and grassroots sport.