Introduction: The focus on grip strength across different sports is essential for the optimal performance of athletes. This study was conducted to analyze the grip strength across four groups of athletes i.e calisthenic athletes, power lifters, bodybuilders and boxers.

Methodology: Forty-eight participants were recruited using convenience sampling and grip strength and anthropometric measurements were taken of those who met the inclusion criteria of an athlete being an active one and belonging to the age group of 17-45 years and the exclusion criteria being an athlete who is not amongst the categories, not training for >1 month or has a history of injury in < 4 months. The correlation and significance between grip strength and other parameters were established using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results: There was a significant difference between the mean grip strengths of the skill-based regimen and free weights regimen (t-value=2.05), and it was found that the free-weights-based training regimen was superior to the skill-based bodyweight training in improving grip strength. There was a statistically weak positive correlation between grip strength and body composition (p<0.39), a very weak correlation with age (p=0.06) and training experience (p=0.12).

Conclusion: Athletes focusing on skill-based training should incorporate free-weight training in their regimen for improved performance. The body composition of an athlete has a direct effect on grip strength. Free-weight training may also be employed clinically for rehabilitation.