India at Paralympics: The Zeal to Win

admin November 22, 2024 0 Comments

In our series, India at Paralympics, we addressed certain aspects that help our Paralympians and all other athletes realize their potential and attain success. Today, as we sum up this series of learnings from the inspiring stories of our Paralympians we look at a very special factor that is evident in every Paralympian and in every athlete who loves their sport and their country. Yes, we are speaking about the determination, the drive to win…the desire to see the work done till the end. 

This year at the Paris Paralympics, Preethi Pal became India’s first and the only athlete to win two medals in the track and field category. Hailing from a small village in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district, Preethi was born with weak legs and an irregular leg posture, making her prone to various diseases. She was called a “cursed child” by the villagers, but Preethi’s determination proved to be far more stronger than insults and challenges thrown at her. At 17, she was inspired by watching the then Paralympians make their country proud and realized that she too, could pursue her dreams. Going into the Paris Paralympics, once the ‘cursed’ Preethi was confident enough that she would achieve her dream. Before the Paris Games, her coach and mentor Fatima Khatoon took her to Gajendra Singh, an army man and coach-husband of para athlete Simran Sharma for intensive training, Preethi says about the encounter, “The coach took me in on one condition, that I will never say no to training. He changed my technique, gave me proper nutrition, and worked on my endurance and strength. The medals in Kobe gave us a lot of confidence.”

An amazing quality seen in the Paralympians, is that they do not rely on second chances. Life itself is the second chance that they have received. Some have recovered from fatal injuries before turning to the sport and for some who were born with unfortunate disabilities in their bodies, being able to play the sport is the second chance that they have gotten from Life. They believe in proving themselves at every chance they get, they never say Better Luck Next Time, as there might not be a next time. They go in for every challenge with a do or die attitude. This attitude can only come when three factors are combined…the passion for the sport, the love for your country and an unshakeable belief in self. 

Another aspect of this unwavering determination is that the fear of failure appears to be on the lower side when it comes to the Paralympians. Most of the Paralympians come from a place where they have endured many insults and stigma from the society, rejection and discrimination is something that they have known for a long time. As a consequence, they do not carry the baggage of ‘what will people say’ anymore. People have said what they will, and now it is their chance to prove them wrong. The only vision they have is of their Ultimate Goal. Another reason here, is the disheartening fact that the Para athletes are more prone to injuries and physical discomfort than their able bodied counterparts. There is a lot of uncertainty for when something might come up which might stop them playing. Hence, they fearlessly execute their game at every chance they get to do so. 

High Jumper Praveen Kumar was grappling with an injury just 3 months before Paralympics. This is the same athlete who performed a record setting jump of 2.08m  in the T64 category, winning the Gold. There were many instances of para athletes getting injured before or during the Paralympics, but one factor common for all of them, was that they never gave up. 

Now as India sets its sight on the next Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Zeal to Win is one factor that every athlete needs to imbibe in themselves. Remember why you started, know your purpose and do what it takes to fulfill that purpose. Second chances are a good opportunity to prove oneself, but one must rely on those for achieving their dreams. Believe every chance you get to be the last one and fight for it!

Rasika Kalgutkar, Sports Psychologist, Mindsports

Behind the Scenes…An Athlete’s Perspective

admin May 22, 2024 0 Comments

The biggest narrative for every Indian that unfolded in 2023 was the ICC Men’s World Cup Final. A winning streak of ten matches, full of runs, wickets and broken records culminated into the final on 19th November 2023. However, fate, with its predilection for the unexpected, had more surprises in store. Australia, inspired by Travis Head’s knock of 137 shocked India to win their sixth Cricket World Cup title in front of around 125,000 stunned Indian fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

As we come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, India finds itself gearing for its next challenge, the T20 World Cup and the most awaited Paris Olympics. As the athletes prepare themselves for these events, the Indian media is also gearing up to cover these events…events or the athletes themselves?

Looking back at the atmosphere leading up to the final, it was nothing short of a festival. Anticipation hung in the air, and the nation collectively held its breath, eager for India to clinch the title. However, was it the same for the athletes? India is a country of 13 billion people…and 13 billion opinions. All over the media, different opinions were seen to be trending, predictions were being made, every move of the athletes was being scrutinised. Some had already crowned Team India as the winners, some were expressing their doubt over the athletes’ form. Even today, we see controversies being created just for the sake of entertainment and engagement, private lives of athletes being brought into question and being scrutinised by everyone, even by those who have never played a sport in their lives. 

Understanding these Forms of Negative Engagement

The media and journalism play a significant role in the entertainment sector, just as they do in the sports industry. The public is now allowed access not just to the professional lives of athletes and players, but also to their personal lives. With increased media attention the level of trolling and criticism of athlete’s every move has recently crossed its bounds. This behaviour is manifested in various forms such as – 

• Breaching the athlete’s privacy by posting about family, friends, and personal life.
• Creating groups/social media pages for and against certain athletes.
• Trolling and posting criticism on public forums.
• Posting threats.
• Showcasing and promoting negative behaviours.
• Undermining officials and their decisions.
• Editing images and videos in a way that is biassed or false.
• Starting trends and controversies against athletes without knowing the entire truth.
• Publicly booing or trolling athletes.

What impact does this excessive media coverage have on an athlete’s Mind?

Athletes in general undergo several stressors related to their sporting careers. From playing conditions, maintaining their performance rate, constant travel, staying away from family to struggling for opportunities and politics, they have seen it all. Adding on to these already existing factors, this increased media attention is giving rise to new stressors that have potential impacts on their mental health. 

Potential Effects of Media Attention 

• Developing unrealistic expectations from self based on the predictions.
• Feeling the pressure of analysis when the media makes predictions based on their performance and statistics.
• Elevated stress and cognitive load.
• A feeling of always being followed or being observed.
• Constant fear of privacy being breached.
• Frequently thinking about trolls and criticism.
• Performance Anxiety.
• Losing interest in the game.
• Fearing the safety of family members.

These factors severely affect an athlete’s performance, no matter how elite the player is or how much they try to stay away from it all. As much love as Indian fans shower on their athletes, their hate also knows no bounds. However, on the other side of it, our athletes undergo several challenges to reach where they are today. As sport psychologists, it is our duty to emphasise that behind the performances that we see there is a much deeper process, of physical work, of mental work, of commitment and of dedication. It is crucial that we understand the impact of our actions, and respect the efforts of our athletes who give their everything for the nation’s pride. 

As our athletes get themselves ready for these upcoming events, it is crucial that we too refrain from engaging in negative behaviours and support them to the fullest. 

Rasika Kalgutkar, Sports Psychologist

Mindsports

Image Sources – news24online, ESPNIndia

Conquering Fear: The Unseen Battle in Sports

admin January 24, 2024 0 Comments

In the world of sports, where physical prowess, skill, and determination often take the spotlight, there exists an unseen adversary that challenges even the greatest athletes – fear. The fear of failure, of letting down teammates and fans, or the fear of injury can haunt athletes and impact their performance on the field. Today, let’s delve into the realm of fear in sports, exploring its nuances and discussing how an athlete can understand and manage fear better. 

Fear is a natural human emotion, and athletes are not exempt from its grip. It can manifest in various ways, from pre-game jitters to the fear of making a critical mistake during a crucial moment. Athletes may fear the expectations placed upon them or the uncertainty of the outcome. Recognizing and acknowledging these fears is the first step in addressing them and finding ways to overcome them.

Let’s take an example of Michael Jordan. Considered by many as the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan faced his fair share of fears throughout his illustrious career. While his on-court exploits are legendary, his journey wasn’t without its moments of doubt and anxiety. One particular instance that stands out is the 1997 NBA Finals, often referred to as the “Flu Game.” In Game 5 of the finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, Jordan was visibly ill, battling flu-like symptoms. The pressure was immense, with the series tied 2-2, and the Bulls needed a win to gain the upper hand. Jordan, weakened and fatigued, pushed through the fear of physical limitations and delivered a performance for the ages. He scored 38 points, leading the Bulls to a crucial victory. Michael Jordan’s Mental Toughness had helped him conquer fear. What allowed Jordan to overcome his fear in that critical moment was his unparalleled mental toughness. His ability to focus on the task at hand, block out external pressures, and channel his energy into the game showcased the mindset of a true champion. Jordan’s unwavering commitment to excellence, tireless work ethic, and unshakable self-confidence played pivotal roles in his conquering of fear.

“Do I fear taking the last shot? No. I relish the opportunity.”

–Michael Jordan

The story of Michael Jordan serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes facing their own fears. Fear manifests in many ways in sports. It can be the fear of failure, the paralyzing thought of dropping the baton or missing the goal. It can be the physical fear of heights, speeds, or the sheer power of an opponent. It can even be the fear of judgment, the anxiety of performing under the spotlight. But fear, like any opponent, can be managed. Here are some tips for athletes battling their fears:

• Identify your fears: Give your fear a name. Understanding what you’re afraid of is the first step to conquering it.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. Focus on your strengths and past successes.
• Visualize success: See yourself performing flawlessly, feeling the adrenaline, and tasting victory.
• Practice mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing can help you manage fear and stay present in the moment.
• Seek support: Talk to coaches, teammates, or even sports psychologists. Sharing your fears can be liberating and lead to valuable guidance.
• Celebrate small wins: Focus on the journey, not just the destination. Every successful practice, every conquered fear, is a step towards your ultimate goal.

It highlights the importance of mental resilience, self-belief, and a strong work ethic. Athletes can benefit from adopting strategies such as visualization, positive self-talk, and mindfulness to manage fear effectively.

Fear is an integral part of the human experience, and athletes are no exception. The ability to confront and conquer fear is what sets exceptional athletes apart. Michael Jordan’s Flu Game is a testament to the power of mental toughness and determination in the face of adversity. As athletes continue to push the boundaries of human achievement, the battle against fear will remain an intrinsic part of the journey to greatness.

Honey Jain,

Mindsports

HANDLING POST MARATHON DEPRESSION

admin September 28, 2023 0 Comments

Introduction
The most awaited day has arrived and Karan is tense as well as excited at the same time. He has been waiting for this moment for a year and a half…….. He has put in his 100% as he practiced very sincerely and put in lots of hard work in his workouts when preparing for his marathon.

Running a marathon required months of planning, preparation and participation on part of Karan. For months life only focused on getting on the running shoes and beating the roadway – sometimes for hours at a time. Then there was also diet to think about, avoiding injury, mileage, time, heart rates … the list went on. And then the big day arrived and it was time to concentrate on what time to complete the grueling race. He had actually visualized his win and the crowd roaring in joy after his win…….

And finally the day arrived when Karan completed the marathon with a big win. . Karan was excited and at the top of the world with the win…. But that lasted only for a day. What happened to Karan the next day?

Training for a marathon takes up every aspect of a person’s life. From the strenuous physical training to the rigorous mental willpower, the training places considerable stress on the body. On the other hand, continuous training also adds significant thrill to the person’s life. On the day of the big event, all the efforts of the previous weeks and months end for you. Unfortunately, this journey at times ends with post-marathon depression…… this is exactly what Karan was also going through.
The question that troubled Karan was “Oh God, Now what am I going to do?”

This condition of mind is called the after-race blues, or the post marathon depression that affects many runners. Athletes, who run these kinds of endurance races, are usually faced with a void or an empty space which previously used to be filled by training sessions.

Now let’s see as to how we would know that the runner is going through such kind of a phase.

Indicators of post marathon depression:
The symptoms of post marathon depression that runners face after a big race are more or less associated with general depression. Usually the runner’s thoughts start to become negative and the energy level, which was at the peek for so long, also starts to diminish. The runner feels very low on energy and wants to just sleep for hours. We could also call this state of mind as feeling lethargic and de-motivated to do anything. At times, the runner might also experience feelings of anxiety, irritability and also hopelessness. They also have difficulty concentrating on normal day to day tasks along with loss of appetite and irregular sleeping patterns.

These symptoms could be due to emptiness that they experience after a big race. After spending months of training hard and focusing on a goal, you feel down and detached once the race is over. The training and preparation that was such a big part of your life is now gone.

Root causes of post marathon depression:
This condition could be reviewed by separating them into 2 causes: physical and psychological.

Physical causes:
While the runner is into vigorous training for so long, the body becomes used to a high supply of endorphins that are natural chemicals created by our body. These endorphins do a wonderful work of improving the runner’s mood and give it a feeling of euphoria during exercises and practice sessions. However, after a marathon, the supply of endorphins decreases significantly, which causes feelings of depression.

Psychological causes:
All sports people start their preparation with some kind of an aim in their mind. Once this aim is finalized and fixed, they train vigorously to achieve that aim. While doing this, the sportsmen are lost in their own world of achieving success and being victorious. For them nothing exists beyond their event and the mind and the body are completely focused on a selected goal. There is no free time for them. If not physical practice, they are busy visualizing their moves and tactics.

However, after months of training and excitement, these sportsmen commonly feel let down when the big event is over. They suddenly feel empty, and usually feel unmotivated to find a new activity. Their physical condition, their sore muscles and overall fatigue, at times forces them to question if the entire process was worth the trouble.

But the good news is that there is definitely a solution for it……. Let’s see what the runners can do to prevent these post marathon blues in the first place and also overcome it.

Overcoming this phase:
There are various strategies that athletes can adopt to treat and prevent post marathon depression.

• One usually feels a real “high” after finishing the race and is enthusiastic to share experiences. However, the next morning the fatigue and discomfort starts setting in. This descent is a normal reaction to meeting your goal and not having a new one. To avoid this kind of a situation, do not plan anything new at least for a week. The best thing is to assess your performance in the recent race and analyze the good and the bad things that you did in the race. You could even pen them down as they might help you in the next season. This type of technique is called ‘Reviewing’, where you evaluate what worked best for you and what did not.
• When the burnout phase is over, think about setting some new goals that you would like to achieve over the next few months. However, these goals need not necessarily center around a marathon. They could be anything from your personal to professional life. One could also switch a sport for time being like going for a swim, playing tennis etc.
• But having post marathon racing plans do not mean starting out a workout immediately after your marathon. Instead, focus on recovery in the first week after the race so that progress in training in the succeeding weeks would be better. Another important thing is one should not force oneself if the body is still not responding.
• When the athlete was under training for so long, the family and friends have missed him. The best way to relax and overcome this depression is to mingle around with them and get completely disconnected from the racing scenario.
• Relaxation is mandatory for the athletes as the body needs to recover from the marathon. However, stopping your exercises completely might cause you more harm. Hence maintain your fitness by doing light but regular exercises. This will also help you to come back on your regular schedule easily since your body will be in good shape with regular exercises.
• Also one could consider hiring a coach or a professional to help set goals at the beginning of the season. Keeping a training plan ready for the year with training periods, rest periods and solid goals will surely help get you focused on the future and ready to move forward.
• Last but not the least….. it is extremely essential to also expect and accept the void and frustration that would follow after the marathon. If one is mentally prepared for the empty space then the journey towards post marathon would definitely be smooth and enjoyable.

So all the very best!

Mugdha Bavare
Sports Psychologist

SPORTS AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN

admin September 28, 2023 0 Comments

Sports, with their impact and influence, have always had a place in society. Its magnificent ability to unite people makes sport a powerful communication tool. Sports also help to strengthen connections and trust in our wider communities. The sports dynamic essentially transcends all social, political and ethnic barriers.

Let us look at some ways in which Sports contribute to a growing child’s personality.

• Enhances Self Esteem
• Reduce anxiety
• Builds a positive outlook towards life
• Builds team work and collaboration
• Inculcates healthy sense of competition
• Better body image

• Builds ability to handle setback and failures
• Builds better social skills
• Promotes many values such as discipline, team spirit, time management, crisis management, resilience etc.
• Improves cognitive function, academic performance and behaviour in school.
• Athletes have higher levels of academic achievement than non-athletes.

Facts about sport participation:

• Research proves that kids who are involved in sports have better concentration level that those who are not.
• Sport participation improves blood circulation in the brain and physical well being which in fact makes kids more alert and high on concentration.
• They have better time management skills as they have less time to complete things.

• Sports offer children a change from the monotony of their daily life that has a positive impact on their academics.
• Sport participation helps in overall personality development and helps improve self-esteem.
• Sport is a good way to relieve stress and handle disappointments.

Mugdha Bavare
Sports Psychologist