MS. ZEINIA SAMAR
Head of Sports Science, Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ)
Master of Sports Physiotherapy
Class of 2013, AIPT, Noida

Describe your career journey and your current role.

After I post-graduated a 2 years Master’s in Sports Physiotherapy (MPT) from Amity University, Noida, I have been working actively in the field of Sports in the capacity of Sports Physical Therapist and Doping Control Officer for the past 10 years with National/International level athletes across all Olympic and non-Olympic Sports. I started my journey with Brazil International Football Academy(BIFA) and then worked with the Central reserve police forces(CRPF) attached to Sports teams, Sports Authority of India (SAI) with Senior National coaching camps training for RIO Olympics 2016, Team Physiotherapist for National Senior Women Football Team (All India Football Federation), with BCCI as a Doping Control Officer, and with Sports Drug testing international (SDTI) which is Switzerland based anti-doping organization affiliated to WADA(World Anti-doping agency).

My current role is Team Leader for Sports Science for the Senior athlete Olympic program at Olympic Gold Quest. Ensuring to provide the best Sports Science support and facilities to our athletes and building up a world-class team to support our athletes on a daily basis to minimize/prevent injury, to obtain optimum fitness level, as well as get the injured ones back to the field with a tailored-made goal-oriented protocol. We are aiming for maximum representation of our athletes as well as a maximum number of the medal tally for our country in the Paris Olympics 2024.

What are some of your key achievements in your illustrious career journey?

To start with, the dissertation which I completed during my post-graduation in Amity University was published as an Article in the International Journal of Sports Science, US in 2013 and a book published by Lambert academic publishing (LAP) in 2014.

I have been a part of the Indian Olympic Contingent as a Sports Physio in the Asian Games 2018, Commonwealth Games 2018 and 2022, ISSF World Championship 2018 and 2022, ISSF Asian Airgun Championship 2018, ISSF World Cups for years 2019-2022, and Tokyo OLYMPICS 2020; as well as FIFA ranking tournaments, Senior national camps with AIFF; and in cricket, I have worked as a Doping control officer in numerous international tournaments including T20, ODIs etc.

Awarded ‘The Nationwide Women Excellence awards 2021’ by Business Mint as an Industry Expert 2021, ‘Glory of India 2021’ in recognition of Outstanding Professional Achievement & Contribution to Indian Sports by Indian Achievers Forum in 2021, ‘Amity Alumni Achiever Award for Outstanding Public Contribution in Amity Alumni Meet Awards in 2021. Certificate of Appreciation by Western Command Wives Welfare Association, AWWA for Social Services and medical facilities contribution to the Indian Army in 2021. Certificate of Appreciation by 55(1) Mech Bde, AWWA in 2021 for Social services and medical facilities contribution to the Indian Army.

Apart from these awards, I have also been felicitated by Regional Director, SAI Sonepat for Outstanding performance in 2016, appreciated on records by IG CRPF for enormous contribution as a teaching and examination faculty in 2016, invited as a Panel speaker in Times of India (TOI) ‘Global Sports Science Summit’ in 2017 in Mumbai, Guest speaker in a workshop organized by SAI in Khelo India University games in 2020 in Bhubaneshwar.

Describe your AMITY journey. What made you choose the University, and how did it fulfill your learning aspirations?

In my entire academic years, I have been extremely fortunate to be guided by the best mentors, however, Amity has played a major role in giving me a direction and a kick-start to my career in Sports. The World-class teaching standards, unmatched reputation, and healthy learning environment made me choose Amity University for my higher education.

'Once an ‘Amitian’ always an ‘Amitian’, this is not just a statement but a reality that goes along on the journey of professional success. Studying from Amity helped me carve a niche for myself and to stand out of the crowd that assisted me in my journey to the Tokyo Olympics being part of Indian Contingent and continue to be at the top level of Indian Sports, as well as being able to contribute to helping our athletes bring laurels for our Country.

Amity has undoubtedly made a major difference in my professional success which is unmatched to date. The World Class teaching standards as well as overall personality development due to practical exposure and soft skills development have made a huge impact in shaping my future. Amity University provides work-integrated learning opportunities and gets students out into the real world.

A message or a success mantra that you would like to give to your current Amitians.

Being honest with yourself, keeping up promises that you make to yourself, and simple acts of kindness, humility, and generosity are the foundation of success in life. My success mantra is to stick to these core values and also the 3Cs i.e., Being Committed, Consistent, and Confident in your goals in life. Being positive, having a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, learning new skills & always aiming to be a good person will boost your confidence and assist you to get a little closer to your goals. But, while you are trying to find your place, don’t forget to enjoy your journey. Ultimately, being happy and having a positive outlook will take us ahead in life.

To all the Brilliant Amitians!! You have won half the battle of your professional life while being an ‘Amitian’ and as you move out into the corporate World, it's important to be committed and focused on your preset goals. Taking one step at a time is the key to success and there are no shortcuts. Achieving short-term goals every day will bring you closer to your destination and working on the long-term goals will make you grow as a person and as a professional.