
Doppalapudi Ratna Babu, a Physical Education lecturer at Vijaya College of Physical Education in Nunna near Vijayawada, has been awarded a PhD by Annamalai University, Chidambaram, for sports science research. The degree was conferred on July 27.
His doctoral thesis studied how treadmill running at different inclinations affects cardiopulmonary fitness and psychomotor performance in sprinters and middle-distance runners. The research was guided by Dr B Parthiban, Annamalai University's Assistant Professor of Physical Education. University of Madras Director Dr V Mahadevan evaluated the thesis as External Examiner.
Vijaya College Chairman N Satyanarayana Reddy and Principal Dr B Uday Kumar congratulated Ratna Babu, saying the achievement would inspire aspiring researchers in physical education.
Annamalai University awards thousands of PhDs annually, making individual achievements routine rather than rare. For Vijayawada-based college lecturers, a doctorate is often a requirement for career progression to senior academic grades under University Grants Commission norms. The research topic, treadmill training effects on runners, adds to existing sports science literature but does not signal a policy or funding shift. The next step for Dr Ratna Babu is likely applying for reader or professor positions, a process that depends on open vacancies at his current or other institutions.
Source: thehansindia.com
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