National Sports Day 2025: Why your mind, not just your muscles, decides how far you’ll go in sport
Sports aren’t only about strength and speed. Staying calm, handling pressure, and bouncing back from failure make the real difference, and that’s all about training the mind.
Of pressure and self-belief Every time you are on a field , whether it’s cricket in the street, a boxing ring, or a neighbourhood race track, you’ll notice that the body may play, but the mind calls the shots. Pressure, nerves and self-belief decide who shines (Images: Canva)
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Prepare both body and brain Athletes often prepare the body but forget the brain. “Mental training is as important as physical drills," says Dr Sanika Divekar, Senior Sports Psychologist, AMP by Mpower, Mumbai. “It helps athletes manage pressure, bounce back and play freely,” he adds. Follow these tips, suggested by Dr Divekar, to strengthen mental training:
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Face the fear head-on Butterflies in your stomach before a match? That’s normal. Even the best freeze when the fear of failure kicks in. The trick is not to run from it. Slow breathing, positive pep-talks, or even picturing yourself pulling off that shot can flip fear into fuel.
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Break the burnout cycle Too much practice and too many tournaments can leave anyone drained. It’s not weakness, it’s burnout. Spotting the signs early, taking a proper day off, or swapping practice for a long walk with friends can save both energy and joy.
Heal beyond the injury A twisted ankle or torn ligament hurts the body, but the mind often suffers more. The loneliness of rehab is real. Setting small goals, celebrating tiny wins, and talking about the frustration openly helps athletes stay hopeful till they’re back in the game.
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Practise the mental drills You wouldn’t skip batting practice, so why skip mind practice? Simple routines like visualising a perfect dive, writing down worries before a game, or just sitting quietly to focus can train the brain to stay steady under pressure.
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Seek support openly No one gets through the sporting grind alone. Speaking to a psychologist or just confiding in a coach or teammate can ease the load. Far from being weakness, asking for help shows courage — and often unlocks the best performances.
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Redefine what success means Chasing only trophies and scoreboards is exhausting. Success can also mean hitting a personal best, showing grit after a setback, or even simply enjoying the game. Changing the definition keeps the spark alive long after medals fade.
Value the off-season pause Every athlete needs to hit pause. Rest days aren’t laziness, they’re fuel stops. Switching off, spending time with family, or even cooking a meal at home refreshes the mind in ways no practice session can.
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Focus on flexibility Resilience doesn’t appear on match day. It’s built in small, daily choices: turning up after a bad game, learning instead of sulking, or smiling through tough drills. These habits quietly wire the brain to bounce back stronger.
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Lean on the circle Behind every athlete is a circle, parents, coaches, teammates, who can lift or crush.A kind word, a reassuring nod or reminding someone they are more than a score can transform their confidence in that moment.
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Normalise mental health talks Make the locker room a safe place to speak, not just about tactics but also about struggles. When talking about mental health feels as normal as talking about fitness, sport becomes healthier for everyone ,and the athlete thrives on and off the field.
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
