Dr. Pooja Kulkarni Mokashi, a physiotherapist from Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pimpri, has carved a name for herself in the competitive and male-dominated field of sports physiotherapy.
At just 32, she has already spent over eight years keeping top athletes at peak fitness, working with national and international sports teams.
It’s a remarkable achievement for someone who had no medical background at home, but she chose this field to honor her grandfather’s wish and her own deep ambition.
Physiotherapy is a critical part of an athlete's support system. Traditionally, this role was reserved for men in India. Male physiotherapists were the preferred choice for most sports teams, both nationally and internationally.
But Pooja entered this space with determination and passion, starting her journey with the Maharashtra women's cricket team about nine years ago.
Today, Pooja works with the Indian badminton team and has previously served with the Pondicherry cricket team and India’s under-19 cricket team.
"Fitness is essential for every athlete," Pooja explains. "The nutritionist, physical trainer, and physiotherapist all work together to ensure this. But when an injury strikes just before a competition, it’s the physiotherapist who has to take the lead in ensuring the athlete recovers in time to compete."
Pooja recalls how tough it was to establish herself in 2015 when female physiotherapists were a rare sight in Indian sports.
"The idea of a female physiotherapist wasn’t widely accepted back then, and it took time for me to build trust with the players and staff. But over time, perceptions changed, and now female physiotherapists are being recognized for their vital role."
"This work is incredibly responsible, and I’m fortunate to have my family’s backing. My ultimate goal is to work with the Indian Olympic team as their physiotherapist," she says with a smile.
