Comparative Analysis of Physical Fitness Variables among International Football and Hockey Players of India: A MANOVA Approach

Description

Page: 492-497

Manoj Kumar and R.P. Garg (Department of Physical Education, MDU Rohtak, Haryana India)

The present study aimed to investigate the comparative physical fitness characteristics of international football and hockey players of India across gender. A total of 100 participants (25 male football players, 25 female football players, 25 male hockey players, 25 female hockey players) were purposively sampled. Five physical fitness variables-speed (50m dash), strength (push-ups), agility (shuttle run), flexibility (sit-and-reach), and cardiorespiratory endurance (Cooper 12-minute run)-were assessed. Descriptive statistics indicated superior speed in hockey players (males: 7.24 ± 0.11 sec; females: 7.49 ± 0.14 sec) compared to football players (males: 7.87 ± 0.16 sec; females: 8.12 ± 0.12 sec). Strength was also higher among hockey players (males: 49.60 ± 4.07; females: 49.07 ± 4.21) compared to football counterparts (males: 44.16 ± 3.94; females: 43.43 ± 3.98). MANOVA revealed significant multivariate effects for gender (Wilks’ Λ = 0.762, F(5, 94) = 5.89, p < .01, η² = 0.238) and sport (Wilks’ Λ = 0.781, F(5, 94) = 4.85, p < .01, η² = z X0.219). Univariate tests showed significant gender and sport effects for speed (p = .001, η² = 0.18), strength (p = .003, η² = 0.15), agility (η² = .084) and flexibility (η² = .041) and endurance (p = .002, η² = 0.20). Interaction effects (Gender × Sport) were significant for endurance (p = .041). The findings highlight sport-specific and gender-based differences in fitness attributes, with footballers excelling in endurance and hockey players in speed and strength. These outcomes underscore the importance of tailoring conditioning programs to sport-specific and gender-specific needs.