Background: Many adolescents competing in sports focus on improving sport-specific skills, cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength to optimize athletic performance, while the role of proper hydration is often overlooked. This study aims to evaluate the fluid consumption pattern and perceived exertion among adolescent hockey players at National Hockey Academy, Sports Authority of India. Methodology: 30 Adolescent Hockey Players were assessed for fluid consumption pattern; perceived exertion; sweat loss, type and amount of fluid consumed in time intervals for 3 consecutive training days. Results: The mean fluid consumption was 4.38 +1.48 L/day. Plain water was the primary fluid intake source. 93.33%, 100% and 96.67% revealed consumption of plain water before, during and post training respectively. Majority (90%) consumed milk as an intermittent fluid followed by tea (80%) and fruit juice (76.67%) with a mean intake of 276.40 + 197.70ml, 90.0 + 60.74ml and 57.6+ 37.6 ml respectively in addition to plain water. Significant correlation was observed during and post training fatigue levels (p<0.05) inspite of significant (r = 0.686; p<0.01) fluid replenishment for sweat loss during training. The post training fluid intake level was significant with fatigue during and post training ((p<0.05) and during training fluid intake (p<0.01). However, no significant difference was observed for before training fatigue and fluid intake with during and post training fatigue and fluid intake. Conclusion: Though plain water alone is adequate to replenish hydration status along with food intake to address electrolyte losses awareness on the importance of optimal rehydration and electrolyte replacement with appropriate fluids and timing of the intake should be increased.
