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

India At Paralympics: Believing in Yourself

admin November 6, 2024 0 Comments

In the last installment of our Paralympics series, we delved deeper into the role that Motivation plays in helping Paralympians excel at their sports. The motivation to attain mastery in a sport and to achieve success remains a crucial factor in their realizing their sporting career. But have you ever wondered where this unwavering motivation, to keep going in spite of the hardships thrown at them by life, comes from? 

Trevor Jenifer, an American Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball Athlete says,  “For the entirety of my life, I’ve been stared at because I’ve been different. You know, kids have stared at me, parents have stared at me, and it’s just because I didn’t have any legs. And now we’re changing that perspective—you could stare at me, but now you’re staring at me because I’m a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, I’m a father, and I’m a full-time employee with the federal government. I want people to know that there’s life outside of my disability. I don’t let my disability identify who I am. All these other things do. So it’s not just about the sport—it’s outside of sport. We’re demolishing the stigmas that surround disability.”

When we read this statement, the question that pops up first in your mind is, how does one develop such a strong sense of identity even when one is deemed to be different from the rest of the world? This strong sense of identity comes from an equally strong sense of self worth and belief in one’s abilities. In psychological terms, we call it Self-Esteem. In simple words, Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself, and the value you place on yourself. It’s based on your beliefs and opinions about yourself. Self-Esteem is a crucial factor when it comes to sport as it has an impact on the athletes confidence, their performance, their body image, their social relationship and on many such factors. 

Kapil Parmar, a visually challenged but tremendously cheerful Indian Paralympic medalist, experienced repeated abuses from his fellow villagers when he first started para-judo eight years ago, but it only fueled his drive to do something meaningful with his life. On September 4, Parmar, 24, became India’s first Paralympic medalist in judo, winning bronze in the men’s 60kg (J1) category at the Paris Games. “When I decided to start para judo in 2017, some people of my village taunted me about how I would play the sport as I can’t see but you always move ahead because of these taunts only,” Parmar told PTI in an interview.

Self-esteem starts developing from childhood and is affected by one’s upbringing, their life experiences, their achievements as well as their setbacks. One must always work hard to build a positive self image for themselves. Now this becomes even more challenging when one is born with a disability that hampers their daily functioning or when one loses one or more of their abilities to unfortunate incidents. Yet our Paralympians have proved to us that it might be tough but not impossible. When one strongly believes in their abilities and in the effort that they are putting in, in mastering a particular task, no disability can stop them from realizing their full potential. 

Let’s have a look at what learnings we can take away from our Paralympians and how we as athletes can enhance our self-esteem – 

• Prepare, Don’t Compare – You are your biggest competitor, and you must always strive to be better than yourself. By comparing ourselves with others we tend to reduce our self esteem by putting a negative filter on it.
• Recognise your Strengths – We all know what we are bad at, but it is rather more important that we know what we excel at. Our strengths are the steps that help us up the ladder of success. 
• Call it ‘Areas of Improvement’ rather than ‘Weaknesses’ – Our own mindset plays a role in determining whether we get better or stay stagnant. When you believe that you can always improve upon a particular aspect, growth is bound to happen.
• Set Realistic Goals – Dream Big, but when you prepare a roadmap to achieve those goals, set targets which are realistic and achievable in your current time frame. 
• Use Positive Self- Talk – Make a list of positive self-statements and read them to yourself every morning and night, or everytime you feel low on motivation.
• Solve the Problem – When a problem situation arises think, “How can I make it better?” Or “How can I contribute towards solving this problem?” rather than feeling sad about why it happened to you.

Self-esteem is an integral part of one’s identity, and athletes must take special care that they do not let their self-esteem go down, even in the face of setbacks. It is in those difficult moments that we need it the most. All individuals are different and unique in some way or the other, however, it is up to us how we make sense of our identity. Just like our Paralympians, we need to hold our heads high as we face the challenges that come. 

To learn from our Paralympians and get more glimpses of their journey, follow our blog series India at Paralympics! 

Rasika Kalgutkar, Sports Psychologist, Mindsports

India at Paralympics 2024: Biggest Lesson in Resilience

admin September 22, 2024 0 Comments

A young boy of 23, who was having fun with his friends at his aunt’s house, was struck by a tragedy that left him paralyzed from waist down. Dharambir Nain, the gold medal winner of men’s club throw F51 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024,  hit the rocks while diving in a river near his aunt’s house, this incident left him paralyzed from waist down and bed ridden for almost a year. His father had passed away in 2011, after that this incident in 2012 left him completely shattered. From being bed ridden to winning a Gold at the Paralympics, what would have been the journey of this man? A journey that no able bodied person can imagine. 

The Paris Paralympics 2024 was full of not just one such story but 84 stories of grit and resilience. India competed at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris from 28 August to 8 September 2024. We made our official debut at the 1968 Summer Paralympics and have appeared in every edition of the Summer Paralympics since 1984. This was India’s 13th appearance at the Summer Paralympics, and we sent a strong contingent of 84 athletes. The Paris edition turned out to be the most successful campaign yet as we won 29 medals, surpassing the tally of 19 at the Tokyo Olympics. Avani Lekhara was the first to open up the tally with a gold medal along with Mona Agarwal winning the bronze in the women’s 10m rifle event. Following them Kumar Nitesh, Pramod Bhagat, Sumit Antil and others also won Golds for India in their respective events. Many other athletes like Suhas Yathiraj, Nishad Kumar, Navdeep, Praveen Kumar, Marriappan Thangavelu, Preethi Pal and many more, won silver and bronze medals in their respective sports. 

These Paralympians have shown some of the greatest qualities in terms of Mental Toughness. In this blog, we focus on one of them which is Resilience. 

Each of the para athletes have gone through life shattering events in their lives. Some were born with unfortunate defects in their bodies and some have faced terrible accidents where they have lost their limbs or their mobility. However, they didn’t let their disabilities define themselves. One such example is Men’s Para Javelin Thrower Ajeet Singh. In 2017, Ajeet’s life changed dramatically when he got involved in a fatal train accident. While attempting to prevent his best friend from falling off the train, Ajeet became entangled in the wheels, resulting in the amputation of his left arm below the elbow. Despite this life-changing experience, Ajeet refused to let it shape his destiny. Four months following his recovery, he returned to training, focusing his emphasis on athletics. These athletes have strived hard to create a place for themselves in a world that does not very well understand them, which is only possible if one is highly resilient. Resilience is the psychological quality that allows some people to be knocked down by the adversities of life and come back at least as strong as before. Rather than letting difficulties, traumatic events, or failure overcome them and drain their resolve, highly resilient people find a way to change course, emotionally heal, and continue moving toward their goals. This sounds easier in words than done. 

Let us understand what are the characteristics of highly resilient people – 

• Awareness: They are aware of their emotional reactions, the situations they are in, and the behavior of others around them. 
• Problem solving: They look for solutions to problems instead of ruminating why something happened, and can identify the correct issue and create a solution. 
• Flexibility: They are adaptable and can respond to adversity or life crises. They may even use difficult events as an opportunity to try new things. 
• Positivity: They have a disposition to view the present or future positively and confidently.

As we reflect back on the Paralympic Games, these characteristics have been much evidently seen amongst our athletes. All eyes were set on Sheetal Devi, India’s para-archer who competes with her feet, hoping to win her first ever Paralympic medal at the Games this year. Whilst handling the global pressure, she finished at 9th position at the individual event. However, she came back stronger at the mixed team event by winning a Bronze medal, creating history for India with its first ever Paralympic medal in archery. Resilience can also be seen in the form of maintaining a legacy. It’s about overcoming challenges and maintaining a drive to win on a consistent basis. Avani Lekhara, India’s first female Gold medalist has proved this right by successfully defending her title at the Paris Games. 

Thus, whether it’s the pressure arising from injury or from defending a title, resilience becomes an important factor to help athletes focus on the right things. The good news is resilience can be built, it can be enhanced by using certain mental training strategies. It helps athletes bounce back stronger, but also to maintain their peak performance consistently. However, Resilience is not only limited to sports, it is a quality that helps athletes face the challenges in life as well. 

In this month’s blog, we explore the quality of resilience demonstrated by our athletes at the Paralympic Games 2024. However, resilience is not the only deal, there is a lot to learn from these athletes and their lives. In upcoming blogs, we will explore more qualities and life lessons that can be learnt from our Paralympians! Keep following “India at Paralympics” for more!

Rasika Kalgutkar, Sports Psychologist, Mindsports

Kiran Salunkhe, Sports Psychologist, Mindsports

Paris 2024 Countdown: The Mental Game

admin June 24, 2024 0 Comments

Source: https://www.aboveandbeyond.group/

Mental preparation is often the defining factor that separates good athletes from great ones. It involves cultivating a mindset that can handle the intense pressure and high stakes of Olympic competition. The ability to remain calm, maintain focus, and bounce back from setbacks is critical in an environment where the margin for error is extremely narrow. For Olympians, mental preparation isn’t just an add-on to physical training; it’s an integral part of their routine. 

The Paris 2024 Olympics is just a month away, and the world is eagerly anticipating the return of this grand sporting event. As athletes from around the globe prepare to showcase their physical expertise, it is crucial to remember that success at the Olympics is not just about physical training but also about mental fortitude. In this blog, we will delve into the mental preparation techniques used by Olympians, uncovering the psychological strategies that help them stay focused, resilient, and ready to perform at their best on the world’s biggest stage. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, positive self-talk, and goal setting are essential tools that help athletes build the mental resilience needed to achieve peak performance. 

Visualization is a cornerstone of mental preparation for many Olympians. This technique involves creating detailed mental images of successful performance. Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, is a prominent advocate of visualization. He would mentally rehearse every detail of his races, from his dive off the block to his final stroke. By the time he stood on the starting block, he had already “swum” the race countless times in his mind. Visualization helps in boosting confidence and managing distractions. 

Setting clear, achievable goals is another critical component of mental preparation. Usain Bolt, the fastest man in history, was known for his meticulous goal-setting. He broke down his training and performance objectives into smaller, manageable targets, which provided him with a clear path to his ultimate goals. This approach not only kept him motivated but also helped him track his progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Positive self-talk is a powerful tool for building self-confidence and maintaining a positive mindset. Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, before matches, often repeated affirmations to herself, focusing on her strengths, such as her powerful serve, mental toughness, and strategic play. By reinforcing her belief in her abilities, Serena boosted her confidence and maintained a positive mindset, enabling her to perform at her best even under intense pressure.

The pressure of representing your country at the Olympics can be overwhelming. To cope with this, athletes develop psychological resilience through various strategies. Sports psychologists play a crucial role in this process, providing techniques to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset. Shooter Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual gold medalist, has often spoken about the importance of mental resilience and how it contributed to his success. 

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the spotlight shines not only on physical prowess but also on mental resilience. Olympians exemplify the power of visualization, goal-setting, positive self-talk any many other techniques in their relentless pursuit of excellence. Their stories, from Michael Phelps to Serena Williams, highlight the profound impact of mental preparation on athletic achievement. Behind every gold medal is a journey of overcoming pressure and adversity, guided by sports psychologists and unwavering self-belief. As we anticipate the triumphs and challenges of the upcoming Games, let us encourage the unbeatable spirit of Olympians and the enduring legacy of their mental fortitude on the world stage.

Kiran Salunkhe

Intern, Mindsports

Australian Open – From a Sports Psychology Perspective

admin February 22, 2024 0 Comments

The Australian Open recently concluded and this season created multiple records, and the
tournament unfolding in a way that no other season has. The extraordinary display of
determination, mental strength, and belief in oneself was something to witness. In the everevolving
world of sports, where each match carries the weight of uncertainty, the Australian Open
2024 saw two incredible stories. These stories beautifully captured the concepts of dedication,
unwavering belief, and the resilient spirit of persisting against all odds. The tournament showcased
a blend of skill and tenacity, emphasizing the timeless essence of never giving up in the face of
challenges.
Starting with Rohan Bopanna who at the age of 43 became the oldest world no 1 in the Open Era,
winning the AO men’s double along with Matthew Ebden! His determination and commitment to
the sport are truly commendable, this kind of discipline often separates the elite from the novice.
It took 61 attempts with 19 different partners for Bopanna to win his first doubles Grand Slam title
when he and Mathew Ebden beat Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori 7-6 (7-0) 7-5 in the final.
Rohan started his career in 2008, and in what is a grueling sport both on and off the court, this
superstar has managed to stay fit throughout. Peaking at your sport at the ripe old age of 43
Bopanna has inspired generations to come. He has often spoken about his retirement plans earlier
and how his mental strength and the spirit of never giving up helped him continue. His love for
the game and his belief in himself is commendable, he truly proves that age is just a number and
that both physical and mental fitness is of utmost importance.
It is crucial to train your mind as much as you train the body because in challenging times your
mental strength is what helps you cross the line. The mind acts as the control center, determining
performance results, even if the body is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with in terms of
strength and talent. With committed mental training, one can develop essential skills like mental
toughness, resilience, and focus. In addition to improving a player’s ability to handle stress,
psychological training can help you cultivate a winning mindset. Elite athletes who understand the
interdependence of the mind and body can adopt a more holistic training program and develop
mental toughness, which acts as a trigger for optimal performance on the field.
Talking about Jannik Sinner, whose unwavering determination and confidence in his game helped
him make a comeback after being two sets down in the final against a formidable opponent. Daniel
Medvedev looked calm and in control of his game, he was poised for victory after winning the
initial sets. However Sinner brought his A game in the third set, the kind of belief he had at that
point turned the around. Being the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam since 1976, the young
Italian’s victory was historic. Sinner’s remarks after the match reflected the depth of his journey,
stating, “I am very proud. There are a lot of emotions right now. I have to sit down and process it,
but it’s an unbelievable feeling.”. His journey to the AO finals was not easy, defeating Djokovic, a
very strong opponent who was in complete form through all the rounds. Sinner’s success at 22
years and 165 days makes him the youngest player to win the Australian Open since Novak
Djokovic in 2008, proving that age is only a number when combined with determination.
What do these two incredible athletes’ stories teach us? Well, let’s start with the biggest
commonality in their win- their age! Age is just a number, and it cannot be a factor that stops you
from growing unless you let it. You cannot stop dreaming and working towards your goals just
because you are/ aren’t of a certain age. Both these men displayed a game of top-notch level,
etching their names in history. Being motivated inherently to win was another lesson Bopanna
gave us, “That’s a personal goal (winning the men’s doubles title at a Grand Slam). “It is no one
else’s goal,” he stated. Personal goals, which derive from our values and interests, are intrinsically
more sustainable. They serve as an ongoing source of motivation and strength, particularly during
difficult times. Unlike borrowed goals, which may wane in the face of adversity. Borrowed goals
are externally based; they are societal, familial, or peer expectations that we embrace as our own.
While they may provide brief satisfaction or praise, they frequently lack deep personal meaning.
Personal objectives are firmly established, making the pursuit more long-term and satisfying.
Rohan’s focus on what meant most to him or what he cared about the most freed him from feeling
obliged to keep social expectations.
Winners possess a mindset characterized by a positive attitude and resilience in the face of
challenges. They view setbacks as temporary, focusing on the opportunities for growth and
learning as seen in Rohan’s career spanning decades. Adaptability is a key trait, allowing them to
embrace change and find innovative solutions. Winners commit to continuous learning,
recognizing its role in staying competitive and adaptable. Rohan has constantly evolved his game
and lifestyle based on the needs of the moment. Taking responsibility for actions and decisions,
they acknowledge mistakes and proactively seek improvement.
Having habits like mental training, cultivating important psychological skills, visualizing, having
a gratitude journal, focusing on your breathing rate etc. are small yet powerful things that will help
you see a difference in your game. The AO is now over but the history made will forever remind
us of what perseverance can help you achieve! Athletes or not, our mental health is of crucial
importance and continually working on it, building a healthy coping mechanism is vital.

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

Mental Toughness In Athletes

admin December 22, 2023 0 Comments

The importance of mental wellbeing has been emphasised for a long time now, we are more aware of its impact and need to strengthen our mindset. If you look up the internet, you’re bound to find tons of definitions and meaning of the term, but what does mental toughness really mean?

After a long search, we were able to choose the most apt definition for it- Mental toughness is a measure of an individual’s ability to be resilient, have confidence, remain competitive, and overcome adversity in their life.

Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots highlighted the importance of mental toughness, “Football is so much about mental toughness, it’s digging deep, it’s doing whatever you need to do to help a team win.”

A lack of mental toughness is the biggest enemy of athletes. Lacking mental toughness causes athletes to give up, give in, tank the match, and give less. The level of your athletic success is in direct proportion to your level of mental toughness. To be mentally tough, you must be willing to do what most athletes don’t do. It can be simply put that “Mental Toughness sets apart good and great athletes when physical, technical and tactical skills are equal”.

Lets dive deeper into the topic to understand its elements and break down some myths about Mental toughness.

Many athletes believe they are born with mental toughness, so you either have it or you don’t. Well this is partially incorrect, chances are you may be born with and yes, it’s an important factor to succeed. However it’s not an either-or situation, you can most definitely work on building and strengthening your mental toughness. 

Some athletes—like those who have overcome adversity in their life and have grown used to rebounding—do seem to be mentally tougher than others. Two athletes that come to mind are Michael Jordan and Greg Norman; they both overcame adversities. 

And one aspect of mental toughness is the ability to handle challenges.  Mental toughness is an attitude, and you are the only one who can create your own attitudes.

If you are the one responsible for your attitudes, you can deconstruct the way you think about yourself or your ability to succeed. By changing the way you think, you will change the way you feel about yourself which changes the way you act, train and compete.

Another common myth we tend to have is, mentally tough athletes never fail. This couldn’t be more wrong! Mental toughness is a skill, a habit you develop to help yourself in times of adversity. And the process of strengthening never ends, you keep working on yourself and cultivating the skill. Everyone fails, has setbacks and loses from time to time, however what sets mentally tough athletes apart is how they react and deal with the failure. Instead of wallowing and feeling bad for themselves or blaming it on others, they introspect, they seek advice, take that lesson as a learning and move on. They try new solutions, look for better ways and ensure they overcome the challenge next time around. 

Let’s discuss a few qualities you can easily identity in a mentally tough athlete, remember,  you can always work on improving these throughout your journey: 

1. Remain persistent: Mentally tough individuals push through the tough times, they work on reaching the end goal no matter what the circumstance. They understand that failure is a part of success and there is no way around it, you learn from it and continue.
2. Pursue excellence not perfection: Athletes that possess mental toughness have a goal, but they focus on the techniques necessary to reach it. Athletes with a strong mental toughness recognize that peak performance is a marathon, not a sprint. They get closer to the end result with each step they take along the way.  Athletes with a strong mental toughness recognize that failures are inevitable and that they are important turning points on their road to success.
3. Never afraid to take risks: Athletes that are always ready to take risks and open to challenges understand the importance of being out of their comfort zone. Athletes that are mentally tough tackle obstacles with excitement rather than fear and anxiety. They know that it’s okay to occasionally fall short of expectations and that it’s worth taking a chance to reach perfection. They refuse to settle for mediocrity and that sets them apart. 
4. Look for solutions rather than excuses: Mentally tough athletes will look for solutions and answers to their problems rather than using it as an excuse to move ahead. Instead of playing the blame game, they take responsibility for their performance, go back to the drawing board, right the ship and try again.
5. Focus on improving performance:  Looking to improve their performance and keep growing is the sole focus of mentally tough athletes. Instead of focusing on the past or dwelling on failures they look to move ahead. They expend energy on things they can control and work on. Mentally tough athletes focus on what they can do in the present moment to overcome the challenges of performance and give them the best opportunity to succeed.

Now that we have understood the importance, identified qualities and busted some myths about mental toughness, let’s look at 2 ways you can work on improving it:

Build that habit: 

Mental toughness is a habit. You cultivate it and continue till it becomes a part of you. Mental toughness isn’t about getting an incredible dose of inspiration or courage. It’s about building the daily habits that allow you to stick to a schedule and overcome challenges and distractions over and over and over again.

Here are the basic steps for building a new habit : 

1. Start by design your key habits
2. Focus on small behaviours, not life–changing transformations.
3. Develop a routine that gets you going regardless of how motivated you feel. Make it enjoyable for yourself so you look forward to it.
4. Stick to the schedule and forget about the results.
5. When you slip up, get back on track as quickly as possible.

Mental toughness comes down to your habits. It’s about doing the things you know you’re supposed to do on a more consistent basis. It’s about your dedication to daily practice and your ability to stick to a schedule.

Focus on long term goals: 

As the saying goes, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”A key aspect of mental toughness is the ability to set long-term goals and accept reasonable completion times for your tasks. Developing a concrete plan that moves short-term goals toward long-term objectives is the only tried-and-true method for success. The structured nature of long-term goals promotes discipline and consistency in daily actions, crucial elements of mental toughness. Long-term goals act as powerful motivators, propelling individuals forward through the inevitable ups and downs, fostering the sustained commitment essential for the development of mental toughness.

Mental toughness is rarely innate; it is made up of disciplined habits that anyone can enact in their daily life. Your habits are what determine how mentally tough you are, and you are in charge of them. Remember that daily mastery over minor challenges is the very essence of mental toughness.If you aren’t practising mental toughness exercises behind the scenes, you can’t expect to be mentally tough during championship moments.

Fight and show yourself that you are capable of overcoming every obstacle you face in the process of achieving your goals.  Soccer great Mia Hamm said it best, “I am building a fire, and everyday I train, I add more fuel. At just the right moment, I light the match.”

Jinal S Mehta

Intern, Mindsports

IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN SPORTS

admin October 9, 2023 0 Comments

Image Source – Source: The Sports Schools

How often do we hear, “It’s all in your head!”, “Maybe you need to take a break!”, “Start thinking positively!” when all we really need to hear is “Maybe, seek some professional support to help you get through this!” ?

Our mental health is as important as our physical health, yet we fail to take care of it. Stress, anxiety, and pressure have become a normal part of our lives and we cope with it in different ways. Not all coping mechanisms are healthy, correct, and long-lasting! For example- drinking or drugs, over-exerting yourself, and being too critical are some negative coping methods. The generation today has romanticised and accepted stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and fear as normal behaviour, whereas seeking professional help and support is still getting normalised in every household. No matter who/what you are, everyone goes through a certain level of psychological tension which with correct aid can be resolved effectively. 

Do you know what Sports Anxiety is?

The immense pressure to perform in athletics can create intense anxiety before a match, game, or any other type of competition. This condition can be called sports anxiety, sport-related anxiety, or performance anxiety. While some athletes experience this anxiety as a motivator to perform well, studies show that experiencing anxiety before or during an athletic competition can interfere with an athlete’s performance. 

(Source- https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/athletes-and-mental-health/)

In the world of sports, physical strength, talent, and athleticism are frequently highlighted. We celebrate the accomplishments of athletes on the field, court, or track because of their extraordinary displays of strength, speed, and agility. But there’s one vital facet of sports that all too often goes unnoticed: mental health. It is hard to emphasise the significance of mental health in sports. As we admire the remarkable physical skills of athletes, it becomes evident that their mental strength, resilience, and emotional well-being frequently hold the key to shaping the game’s ultimate result.

When we take into account that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 adults experience at least one mental health condition each year, it becomes clear that we must give higher priority to raising awareness about mental health and improving mental health care.

Taking care of our mental health not only makes it easier for us to operate on a daily basis, but it can also help us combat or at least regulate some of the physical health issues that are closely related to our psychological well-being.

Everyone involved in athletics comes across different mental challenges, from professional athletes competing on the international stage to younger individuals taking part in recreational sports. An athlete’s mental health may suffer from the pressure of competing, the highs and lows of win and loss, injuries, and the constant attempt to get better. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength. If not more! 

As an athlete or a sportsperson, here are 3 quick reasons you need to focus on your mental health:

• Performance enhancement: A sound mental state is a powerful asset for athletes. It can enhance your concentration, focus, and decision-making abilities, which are critical for success in sports.
• Injury recovery: Positive mental health can aid in coping with the emotional challenges of injury, maintaining motivation during rehabilitation, and ensuring a smoother return to the sport. 
• Longevity in sports: Athletes who focus on their mental well-being are more likely to have longer and more fulfilling careers. Mental health awareness enables them to detect early signs of burnout, overtraining, or other stress-related challenges, allowing them to take preventive steps and maintain their positions over time.

Apart from these, Mental Health impacts team dynamics and cohesion. Athletes who are mentally fit are better equipped to communicate effectively, support their teammates, and contribute positively to the team’s overall atmosphere. Playing team sports also has its own impact and challenges one needs to deal with.

In the last few years, athletes like Simon Biles, Virat Kohli, Naomi Osaka, DeMar DeRozan, etc. have spoken up in support of the importance of mental health. Role models like these are necessary for today’s youth to understand when to pause, reflect, work, and move forward. 

If you/your child or anyone around is an athlete or a sports person it’s crucial you keep a check on their actions and emotions. Not all symptoms/signs are visible and nor can they be recognized quickly. Here are some signs a troubled athlete may display:

• Overtraining/ burning out quickly 
• Lack of sleep and increase in anxiety
• Decline in quality of play
• Nonchalant attitude towards win/loss
• Decreased interest in sports

These are just some visible signs one can observe, but talking and understanding the athlete is always much clearer. As an athlete it is a must that you put your mental health first, the direction of it can be seen in your health, game, relationships, and more. 

Seeing a therapist is not a taboo but a wonderful way to build an ally, and continuously work on your game off the court/field. Although the sports industry has made significant progress in recognizing the importance of mental health in athletics, there is still more work to be done. It is critical to address the stigma associated with mental health, ensure that mental health resources and support services are easily accessible, and prioritise athletes’ mental well-being. 

We have the ability to empower athletes to put their mental well-being at the forefront of their sporting endeavours and personal lives by building a culture that supports transparency and encouragement around mental health challenges.

The sports world plays an important role in promoting mental health and overall well-being, and by working together, we can build a sports community that is not just healthier and more resilient, but also truly respectful of all its members. 

Jinal S Mehta

Intern, Mindsports

THE MIND BODY CONNECTION

admin September 28, 2023 0 Comments

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY INVOLVES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MIND AND BODY AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE CONNECTION FOR ENHANCING PERFORMANCE.

While talking to one of the cricketers, he mentioned that he gave 100% in his practice sessions. He also focused a lot on his physical fitness so as to do well in this season and get selected for India team.

However, he was unable to explain what went wrong as he did not get selected and his ultimate dreams to get selected for India team came crashing down. When asked to explain where he felt short in spite of doing so much of practice and fitness training, he said that he did everything and tried to implement all the techniques and suggestions that his coach had given while playing matches. But a very important thing that he shared with me was when he was playing matches, he was constantly worried about the opponent team being very strong and their victory last year……..

There he is and in fact all those who are into sports……

We generally think of sports as being more physical. And hence there is so much of time as well as money that we invest in getting the best facilities for any player. However, the fact that sports is also a mental game is not yet accepted by many and therefore has not been recognised as a tool to enhance sports performance.

A sport is a combination of mind and body……..

Do you play cricket or for that matter any sport without thinking about

• the opponent…..
• without thinking of what will happen if I do not perform as per my potential….
• without any anxiety or tension….
• without fear of failure….
• without getting distracted….
• without having any negative thoughts about your victory…….. and so on and so forth.

I think the answer for all these would be a big ‘NO’……

So there you are….. Our statement that it’s a connection of body and mind is absolutely true. It is next to impossible to keep your mind away while you are playing and it being your mind is going to distract you and try to have an upper hand.

Therefore, we as sportsmen need to attend to our mind as well as our body and train both of them equally to work effectively so that we will definitely be successful in any game that we play.
Once you agree to the connection of mind and body to your sport, you yourself will start getting answers to many of your failures and setbacks that you experienced in your sporting career.

So, I will surely be back with more and more articles on Sports Psychology and how it works and most importantly what you need to do to achieve the deserving success….

All the best and keep reading!!!!!!!!!

Mugdha Bavare
Sports Psychologist

LIFE LESSONS FROM SPORTS

admin September 22, 2023 1 Comments

Image Copyright: Chanut Is Industries | Dreamstime.com

The movie Sachin – A Billon Dreams opens with Sachin echoing his father’s words, “Cricket is going to be just one chapter in your life, what will stay with you forever is the human in you, when people will tell me, more than a cricketer, you are a good human being, I will be happier as a father.”

The God of Cricket turned 50 this year with 24 long sporting years behind him, and in these years, the man has stood out to the world for his attributes that go beyond cricket and the world of sports. His down to earth nature, his discipline, his dedication and his respect for the people, the game and country are unrivalled, and for everything the man gives the entire credit to two things – his upbringing and to the sport.

Why out of the blue speak about Sachin? What is it that always makes us think of that golden era? They say change is the only constant in life. All of us have seen huge changes in our lives in the past few years owing to the Pandemic, changes that will have long echoing effects on our lives, especially of the younger generation. For almost two years, with their schools closed, these younger ones were locked in their homes, forced to sit in front of talking screens, without any contact with the outer world. The effects of such a detachment are seen widely today. Learned experiences from the environment shape children’s lifetime behaviour and go a long in determining their success. School is the primary place to develop social competencies and life skills, such as self-confidence, friendships, empathy, participation, respect, gratitude, compassion, and responsibility, and this generation, nevertheless the smartest till date, is somewhere lacking these essential life skills.

But why are these life skills being talked about now? Why are they so important?

Any skill is an ability to carry out a particular activity, which can also be learnt. For example, the skill to bat or bowl in cricket or the skill to play a guitar. In our lives too, all of us need certain skills to live with as less difficulty as possible. By that logic, Life Skills are abilities that we can develop to live a good and fruitful life. Every moment during our lives, at times without even realizing it, we rely on things we’ve learned to help us manage our daily life and have an impact on our physical and emotional health. Be it going to school every day or giving exams or simply going on a vacation. Respect, Perseverance, Self-Esteem, Decision-Making are some examples of life skills we require in our day-to-day lives. Life Skills help us gain confidence in communication as well as in cooperative and teamwork skills, they also help us discover innovative ways of thinking and problem-solving, and teach us how to socialize, make new friends, and recognize the effect of one’s actions and behaviours. They give us the courage to face the struggle in order to achieve our goals and the strength to deal with any kind of circumstance that comes our way.

All said and done, how do we really inculcate these skills in our kids? The kids today are busier than the adults. A lot of schools include a life skills education module, but can we really learn these hands-on skills from reading the texts? Life Skills are not learnt from textbooks, they are learnt on the field. So, what do we do? There is a simple answer…Sports. Having been an athlete myself and as a psychologist, I feel Sports are one of the best ways to teach children Life Skills. Sport need not always mean competition. Sports, at times, can just be fun and games. They are a good opportunity to teach children numerous abilities and soft skills. Through sports children are not only equipped to deal with challenges that might come their way, but also become prepared cognitively to learn, solve problems creatively and make decisions. The structure of sports is such that it inherently teaches children values that are essential throughout life. For instance, attending regular practice sessions, following the drills, keeping up with your training routines, habituates children to managing their time appropriately and builds a foundation for self-discipline. Another excellent example is the rule of shaking hands with your opponents at the end of every match, no matter the result. This simple gesture, so subtly and aptly, instils the value of respect in these young minds that it is bound to reflect in their lives outside of sport too. The best lesson I learned from sports was of resilience, no matter how bad the failure was, there is always a new day which you can make the best of, and it has helped me keep going in toughest of the times throughout my life.

Learning can happen at any age, however, Late Childhood or the Pre-teen years of a child are considered to be very crucial for their overall development. This is a phase of their Physical, Cognitive and Social growth. It’s the beginning of them becoming independent individuals, for e.g., They start dressing up by themselves, can use different objects independently, understand time and other events in context. This is a time when they need to be provided with the right direction and guidance as they begin to move away from the protective shells of home, to help them grow into better and well-adjusted individuals of the society, and as they gradually excel in the sport of their choice, they also build a positive sense of self, and ultimately a positive and resilient approach to life.

Sachin, a naughty, mischievous boy grows up to be called the God of Cricket. The Master Blaster while telling the anecdotes of his coaching days under Achrekar Sir, says that it was cricket that molded him into the focused and determined individual that he is today. Sachin is just one but the most apt example of how sports can shape your life beyond the competitive experiences. In a game sometimes you may win, sometimes may lose, but with sports you always win…at life.

Rasika Kalgutkar,

Sports Psychologist, Mindsports