Author: khabarstandard.com

Finance is always considered to be an alien subject matter to the majority.

Or is it really?!

To look beyond the numbers and trying to explore what is known as ‘FINANCIAL FREEDOM’ is the need of the hour. This can be done by becoming ‘FINANCIALLY LITERATE’ and understanding the patterns and the finer nuances of our personal finances.

If you have the question, ‘Why are we boggling our minds over finance being in the sports domain?

Isn’t it something that the geeks should worry about’?

You are not alone!

The importance and relevance of finance, especially in Sports is something that is often overlooked. Right from managing the personal finances for athletes, understanding the implications of their sponsorship deals, tournament expenses, taxes they incur for specialized services that they provide or that are being provided to them and the various categories that concern sports finance as a whole are quite important for them to understand.

Having this purview, Simply Sport Foundation partnered with the Anantapur Sports Academy (ASA) for its FEMALE ATHLETE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (FALP), to learn how aware the female athletes are, about the skills which help them go beyond sports and help them in their personal development. We conducted a focused group discussion with the female athletes at the academy to understand their various needs for upskilling and growth which includes financial literacy. Our experts developed a module focusing on the rudimentary areas of finance like personal finance, managing money, saving

and investing, banking basics, digital financial tools, so on and so forth.

Understanding the overlap of sports and finance:

Sportsmanship – The quality of sportsmanship, rather the SPORTSWOMANSHIP if you will 🙂

(No pun intended) are the qualities like FAIRNESS, COURAGE, PERSISTENCE. These are someof the qualities that are required in financial independence as well, in order to achieve

financial freedom. It was inspiring to see how the athletes are trying to imbibe these

qualities at such a young age.

Zeal to ‘beat the odds’ – We realized that the athletes at the academy were from all walks

of life and the spark that they come with, provides us all the motivation to excel at what we

do. The Zeal to ‘get it right’ is the attitude that one needs to have in their investing journey

as well.

Grassroot in all honesty – The emotion that we were able to sense at the academy with all

the stories that the female athletes had to offer of trying to build their sporting careers from

the scratch made us understand how their trajectory has yielded them the desired results

can be compared with how they will be able to carry forward the same narrative when they

begin to manage their finances and expect the desired returns.

The GROWTH mindset – It’s quite apparent how the young girls are trying to put their best

foot forward to make the most of the opportunities that they are offered with, be it in terms

of learning the necessary skills that are pivotal to the real world or their respective sport,

they come with a GROWTH mindset to implement continual learning. This is one of the key

concepts of building WEALTH.

The Story Ahead – While the female athletes at the academy come with a growth mindset, it is evident that they bring with them the 4C’s of Sport – Confidence, Control, Commitment and concentration. It is only ‘Onwards and Upwards’ from here, we are excited to see how the impartation and emphasis on financial literacy is going to help them excel at their sports and beyond.

Author Meghana is an avid fan of tennis, a badminton enthusiast, and a Bcom graduate. With a keen interest in numbers, she has cleared the foundation level of Indian Chartered Accountancy and is currently pursuing Chartered Global Management Accountancy (CGMA-UK). She is an amateur artist and a bibliophile.

Gender differences throw a shadow on the accomplishments of athletes, male and female. This is a harsh reality in the world of sports, where athleticism knows no boundaries and dreams are built on the playing field. Think about this: even with the incredible progress achieved in the last several years towards gender parity, female athletes still encounter major obstacles to success, opportunity, and recognition. The shocking finding that women’s sports received just 4% of all sports media coverage in the US in 2021 came from a research by the Women’s Sports Foundation, underscoring the widespread presence of gender prejudices in sports media representation.

The differences between men and women in terms of leadership places, engagement, and compensation are still present. An overview of the media situation of women in the arena is followed by a comparison of working women to working males. The importance of this issue goes beyond the scope of the sports arena topic and reflective more general themes of social justice and fairness within the culture. The path to gender equality in sports was shaped by many important historical turning points. One of them was the ancient Olympic Games, during which only males were allowed to compete. It was considered inappropriate for a woman to participate in sports for several centuries after this precedent. Indeed, from that point on, women’s participation in sports was associated with a multitude of obstacles and lack of recognition. However, in the twentieth century, the first steps were taken in that direction – the US adopted Title IX in 1972. Despite this, the 20th century turned out to begin the struggle for gender equality as, starting in 1972, the United States passed Title IX. The act “was a major factor outside the Olympic movement that made it more likely that women would have significant opportunities to compete in sports”. It ensured that the opportunities for athletic competition by female athletes increased and mandated equal opportunities for males and females in all fields of education, but in athletics as well. Moreover, the appearance of women’s categories in several sports and the launch of “gender equality programs” are further steps towards equality. However, research by Jones indicates the existing implicit biases related to women’s sports whilst referring to historical experience and culture.

In order to address long-standing disparities and promote gender equality in sports, it is important to ensure that athletes of all genders have equal opportunities to compete and succeed. This requires ongoing efforts through lobbying and activism.

 

Sports gender inequality is still present and affects both male and female athletes. These differences can be observed in various aspects of the sports industry, such as unequal media representation, coverage, and pay. Research consistently shows significant disparities in compensation between male and female athletes from a female perspective. According to a research, female athletes frequently earn significantly less money and endorsement deals than their male counterparts. In terms of sponsorship possibilities and prize money, this difference persists, with male players fetching bigger salaries in sports like tennis and football. For example, female tennis players often get less money than their male counterparts at big events, even when they perform equally well. This contributes to the gender wage disparity in the sport.

 

Gender inequality in sports is further exacerbated by the uneven media attention women’s sports receive. This problem is highlighted by the Tucker Centre for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, which points out that media coverage of women’s sports is significantly lower than that of men’s sports. In addition to impeding female athletes’ visibility and prospects, this lack of coverage feeds prejudice and preconceptions in both the athletic and general communities.

Cultural and societal conventions in certain areas continue to dissuade females from engaging in sports, which restricts their opportunities for physical exercise and athletic growth. Girls may face pressure from society to adhere to specific feminine norms, such as shunning sports or physical activity deemed “unladylike.” Feminist theory focuses on understanding and challenging gender-based inequalities and stereotypes in sports. It examines how societal expectations about gender affect participation, representation, and opportunities in sports (Birrell, 2000)

But it’s important to recognize that gender inequality in sports affects male athletes too. While they often earn more money and sponsorship deals than their female counterparts, male athletes also have their own challenges to face. They might feel the need to conform to societal expectations of masculinity, which often link physical prowess with worthiness. This can lead to immense pressure on male athletes to meet unrealistic standards of appearance and performance, resulting in stress and anxiety.

Moreover, male athletes who defy traditional notions of masculinity by showing interest in non-sporting activities or excelling in sports considered “feminine” may face ridicule and exclusion from their peers, further worsening their situation. The limited representation of men in certain sports like gymnastics or figure skating also highlights how gender stereotypes can restrict opportunities for male athletes to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen fields. Gender inequality in the sports industry is made worse by the fact that women are not well-represented in coaching and leadership roles. (Hancock et al., 2018)

 Even though there are more female athletes than male athletes, women still don’t hold many positions of power in sports, which limits their influence and career choices. This lack of representation not only denies female athletes valuable guidance and support, but it also reinforces gender stereotypes within the sports community. Similarly, the underrepresentation of men in sports like rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming demonstrates how gender stereotypes can hinder male athletes from pursuing their interests and careers in sports.

To ensure that gender equality becomes a reality in sports, we need to address deep-rooted biases and create opportunities for all athletes, regardless of their gender. It’s important to recognize that gender biases in sports have broader societal impacts, affecting opportunities, attitudes, and perceptions for both men and women. Discrimination and unfair treatment in sports not only limit women’s chances of pursuing careers in athletics but also perpetuate myths about the abilities of men and women. These practices also reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes. To solve this problem, there should be a joint effort by policymakers, sports organizations, and society. Promoting diversity in coaching and leadership positions, fighting for equal payment as well as raising the profile of women’s sports through media are crucial to creating a more appealing and equitable sporting environment. By confronting embedded stereotypes and giving opportunities to all athletes irrespective of gender, we will help ensure that gender equality in sports is no longer an abstraction but a reality in future. In recent times there has been an increasing number of programmes, initiatives and movements aimed at promoting gender equality while fighting off sexism in sports. Among them are organizations such as Women’s Sports Foundation or campaigns like #ChangeTheGame which aim at creating inclusive sporting environments where female athletes can thrive.

With hope for more inclusive and just tomorrow, the path towards gender equality in sport is full of promise and progress in sight. The athletic community’s varied stakeholders have become aware of these prejudices lately and are now addressing them hence contributing to momentum behind the movement There is a dramatic shift with regard to identifying, challenging gender disparities, through diversity and inclusion, and equal opportunity for athletes regardless of sex. Sports can unite people where they move across boundaries and influence positive changes. While aiming for this objective in the society everyone should still have dedication towards creation of an environment that accepts all athletes irrespective of their genders as well as encourages them to fight for gender equality in sports.

Together we can create a situation whereby on one glorious day will see sports being embraced by men and women who want to make a difference in the world of sports and are able to contribute positively in this direction; it would mean that sport truly reflects the variety and richness of our planet.

References

Hancock, M. G., Darvin, L., & Walker, N. (2018). Beyond the glass ceiling: Sport Management Students’ perceptions of the leadership labyrinth. Sport Management Education Journal, 12(2), 100–109. https://doi.org/10.1123/smej.2017-0039

Sadat, M. (2023). Exploring Gender Disparities in Sports: A Theoretical Analysis Over Two Decades.

About the Author

Mansi Kulkarni has been a national-level athlete in 10m air pistol shooting, and I has recently attained her bachelor’s degree in psychology. At present she is pursuing a career in sports psychology, aspiring to contribute to the optimization of athletes’ performance through a deeper understanding of the human psyche.

 

“Winning and losing is all part of the game”. This statement has held so much meaning in sports but is often not completely understood, to say the least.  But did you ever wonder why, people usually use this sentence when an individual loses a game rather than when they win? The answer lies in the deep psyche behind winning and losing in sports.

Both winning and losing are viewed as detrimental parts of life and can be observed in a variety of fields;  one field that projects light upon the importance of winning and losing more than the others is that of sports. The domain of sports looks into winning and losing as more than just outcomes of a game and also as experiences that shape the athletes’ overall career, mental health, and complete growth.  The psychological ideology behind this is merely that our emotions are highly driven by the thrill we experience as a result of winning and the pain we feel when we suffer from a defeat.

In a particular sport, possession of mental toughness and preparedness of the athlete is equally influential as physical talent and skills. They can frequently perform at a higher level and get over barriers more skillfully if they are psychologically prepared and confident. Ian Robertson, a psychology professor at Trinity College Dublin, in his book “ The Winner Effect” mentioned that the real excitement that one experiences as a result of winning has a neurological basis to it. He believed that winning leads to an increase in the testosterone level which causes there to be a rise in the dopamine levels, activating the reward network in the brain and making us happy. There is a type of soul satisfaction that victories bring to the table; other than the clear activation of the dopamine receptors, winning is also associated with positive behaviours. 

From the point of view of psychology, winning greatly improves an athlete’s confidence and sense of self. Their faith in their abilities is reinforced by winning, which confirms their preparation, hard work, and strategy. Furthermore, it offers guidance on managing the feelings and pressure that come with competing and how to turn these experiences into opportunities for development.  Motivation and drive are provided by winning; an athlete is more likely to put in the time and effort necessary to succeed when they are driven. Developing tactics to support athletes in maintaining their motivation even in the face of disappointment and setbacks requires an understanding of the relationship between motivation and performance. Most importantly, the sense of winning improves one’s reputation, fosters a sense of self-worth, and gives athletes a sense of community or belonging. 

On the other hand, what do you think is the psychological effect that losing has on people? It is no rocket science that psychologically, losing has a greater impact on the athlete than winning. When athletes lose a game, they are overwhelmed by extreme emotions and will eventually enter a never-ending overthinking continuum, starting to doubt every single step they’ve taken that has led up to their defeat. It in turn becomes emotionally taxing, putting their resiliency and mental toughness to the test. It leads to them experiencing a range of unpleasant feelings, such as sadness, frustration, and disappointment. Athletes devote a great deal of time and energy to achieving success, so losing feels like a personal failure and severely damages their self-worth.

It takes strong coping mechanisms and resilience-building exercises for athletes to handle the psychological effects of winning and losing in sports. Athletes who receive mental skills training, such as goal setting, visualization, and imagery, are better able to overcome obstacles and perform at their best. Athletes can achieve peak performance by implementing certain psychological strategies to strengthen their mental toughness; this could entail increasing their attention, motivation, and confidence by visualizing success and creating clear attainable goals. To add on, building a mindset for growth and having faith in the hard work and determination that they put in enables athletes to see failures as chances for personal improvement. 

The coaches and supporters of the athletes must encourage and appreciate them constantly while at the same time guiding them during times of loss. It is crucial to reward the effort that the athletes put in and also to push them to give their 100% when they play. Constructive feedback that you give them will help them understand their sport better and where they went wrong. Above all, reassure them that you will be there by their side both in times of victory and defeat.

About the Author

Sparsha Rai is pursuing her degree in psychology from NMIMS, Bombay. She originally hails from a small yet stunning city known as Mangalore located in the beautiful state of Karnataka.  She aspires to become a psychologist in the future and intends to be the best and most original version of herself

Grassroot sports are essential for the development of young athletes, providing a foundation for physical skills while also shaping mental and emotional resilience. These programs are integral to society, promoting personal growth, community engagement, and physical development. At this level, sports foster lifelong enjoyment of physical activity, diversity, and unity, beyond mere competition. Importantly, the psychological development of young athletes is crucial, and integrating psychological training early on can significantly impact their mental skills and overall mental health.

Introducing psychological intervention at the grassroots level is critical for several reasons. Young athletes are in a pivotal stage of development where habits, attitudes, and behaviours are formed. Given their newness to the sport and the various life adjustments they face, psychological skills training is vital to ensure comprehensive development. This early intervention helps athletes build a strong mental framework alongside their physical abilities. Skills such as building confidence, improving focus, and managing stress, crucial for both sports and life, are nurtured through psychological training.

Sports naturally provide an environment conducive to developing various mental skills. Teamwork enhances social and communication abilities, while competition fosters focus, perseverance, and goal-setting. Sports also teach resilience as athletes learn to face and overcome failure. Regular physical activity is linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety, making it an effective tool for enhancing mental health. The structure and discipline inherent in sports help young athletes develop time management skills and a sense of responsibility.

Indian athletes, particularly at the grassroots level, often face significant mental health challenges, including performance pressure, lack of proper coaching, and inadequate mental health support. Financial constraints also contribute to these challenges. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health can prevent athletes from seeking help, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout. Additionally, the intense focus on academic success in India often means sports are not prioritized, adding stress for young athletes balancing both.

The psychological needs and challenges of elite athletes differ significantly from those of grassroots athletes. Elite athletes face high-pressure situations, intense competition, and media scrutiny. They require advanced mental skills training to manage stress, maintain focus, and recover from setbacks. Sports psychologists play a crucial role in helping elite athletes optimize their performance through techniques like visualization, self-talk, and relaxation strategies.

In contrast, grassroot athletes are at a developmental stage, focusing on building a strong psychological foundation. Sports psychologists working with grassroots athletes emphasize developing basic mental skills, fostering a love for the sport, and ensuring a balanced approach to training and competition. They work on building confidence, motivation, and resilience, essential for long-term success. Grassroots athletes face challenges such as limited resources, juggling education or jobs with sports, uncertainty about reaching the professional level, and community and family pressures.

Mental skills training is the backbone of sports psychology, employing psychological methodologies to enhance athletes’ performance. Goal-setting is an effective technique, where coaches guide athletes to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Visualization is another powerful tool; mental practice, competition preparation, and success visualization help athletes improve their performance.

To understand and support grassroot athletes’ mental health, several actionable steps can be taken. These include raising awareness and educating athletes, coaches, and support staff about mental health’s importance. Accessibility to mental health professionals like sports psychologists is crucial, and sports institutions should ensure their availability. Additionally, creating a supportive environment, maintaining online resources and helplines, and encouraging participation in peer support groups are beneficial.

For athletes, mental health is as critical as physical health, significantly influencing their overall well-being and performance. Indian athletes encounter distinct mental health challenges, such as inadequate access to resources and heightened performance pressures. To fortify mental resilience and optimize performance, athletes at all levels can benefit from sports psychologists’ expertise and proactive mental health strategies. By addressing these mental health concerns comprehensively, athletes can achieve a more balanced and successful career, enhancing their longevity and satisfaction in their respective sports.

About the Author

Sparsha Rai is pursuing her degree in psychology from NMIMS, Bombay. She originally hails from a small yet stunning city known as Mangalore located in the beautiful state of Karnataka.  She aspires to become a psychologist in the future and intends to be the best and most original version of herself

Are you a professional athlete who is associated with a sport for many years? Whether you are a beginner who has just started or an advanced athlete who has spent many years of your life with a sport professionally. 

Well, you must be aware of the fact that ‘How does it feel when suddenly you have to take a long break after facing injury?’ Every single athlete has gone through such a feeling of getting stuck in their career due to a severe injury. 

After an athlete gets injured, it’s not only that we should focus on the physical recovery, rather mental healing becomes more important to take him back to the original place. But, talking about the psychological stress an athlete goes through during the phase of injury is underrated.

Here in this blog, we will uncover the essential psychological aspects an athlete needs to be aware of while going through a tough phase of their career.

Injury as a part of an Athlete’s life

During the course of their career, almost every athlete undergoes a painful period of dealing with several injuries. It’s the mindset that ‘I will face the situation and come out stronger’ that differentiates a professional athlete from the rest of the crowd. 

After playing any sport for a longer period of time, an athlete develops a never-give-up mindset and understands how to handle such difficult situations again and again in their life. Maybe that’s the reason why people say ‘Sport is the greatest teacher in life’. 

Initially, it seems frustrating and difficult to handle such situations but sooner or later an athlete develops a fighting attitude to come out of injury as a better individual in future.

Different Phases of Recovery

Immediate Response

When an athlete is introduced to any injury whether it is small or big, the first reaction they have inside their mind is always shock and denial. Most of them struggle to accept the situation as it is and get disturbed by thinking about the consequences of it in the future. Emotions run high and the mind gets flooded with negative thoughts.

Acknowledgement and Acceptance

After a period of time, when they come out of this shocking moment, the athlete starts accepting the reality of the situation. Accepting the situation quickly and acting positively with a solution-oriented mindset helps in early recovery. They start thinking about the healing process and seek further help to take the process forward.

Rehabilitation and Adaptation

Rehab is the most important thing an athlete needs to consider after the treatment of an injury. This phase may seem traumatizing as it’s a long process of daily habits that speeds up the healing mechanism of the injured part of the body. 

This is the time when maintaining mental strength and patience is required the most. It’s a lengthy process where an individual goes through medication along with physical healing and strengthening exercises towards regaining their original strength.

Re-entry and Reintegration

The final phase is the end result of all the efforts the athlete puts in during the recovery process of the journey. This phase can be challenging as the athletes may fear getting injured again or dropping their performance level. Self-confidence is that weapon which helps them win the mental battle during that period and gain victory over their limitations.

The Role of Sports Psychology in the Healing Process

Emotional Support

After a severe emotional breakdown, an athlete needs both physical as well as psychological recovery simultaneously. Sports psychologists play a key role in helping the athletes navigate their recovery journey. They come up with various scientific and proven mental recovery strategies like managing stress, maintaining motivation and dealing with setbacks.

Many useful techniques such as visualization, goal-setting and mindfulness can be helpful in keeping the athlete mentally positive and calm especially during this phase. Visualization and positive self-talk are considered important in building a connection towards the sport and gaining confidence back to the sport.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting a realistic and achievable goal is very important for an injured athlete to come back to his/her previous form. SMART goals act as a very good technique to move ahead in the recovery process step by step. 

For example, instead of setting a goal of getting back to running after a severe injury, the ideal and realistic goal can be to jog for 10 minutes every day for the first week. This helps the athlete to get a sense of motivation once they achieve these small goals one at a time.

Staying Connected

When an athlete gets injured, it makes him/her isolated from the team and sport. Staying in touch with teammates, coaches and community members gives them emotional support and motivation to deal with such situations gracefully. 

Attending sporting events or practice sessions can also make them feel engaged with the sporting community which keeps up their motivation level during such challenging times.

Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is considered as one of the most important mental practices to do in the course of injury. Instead of thinking ‘I’ll not recover, athletes can remind themselves as I will do my best and come out of this situation’. The change in thought process allows them to recover faster and can significantly impact their recovery process.

Dealing with Setbacks

Setbacks are a very common part of not only the injury phase but in the entire career of an athlete. When an athlete starts accepting the failure and takes full responsibility instead of complaining about the situation, the chances of recovering faster increase. Sports Psychologists play a crucial role by providing them with implementable strategies to overcome the challenges like reminding them what is controllable and what is not in any situation.

Conclusion

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. The mental process of injury recovery can become challenging but accepting and understanding the fact that psychological techniques can provide great support helps the athlete deal with such difficult situations with ease and positivity. 

By understanding the importance of various mental practices like setting SMART and realistic goals, positive self-talk, and staying connected to sports and people helps the athlete navigate the recovery phase more effectively. We all should understand the fact that recovery from an injury is not just a physical process but more importantly, a psychological process and appreciating its importance can boost the recovery speed by multifold. 

Coming in engagement with a mental health counsellor or sports psychologist during such times of the career can take an athlete’s performance to significant heights.

About the author

Abhishek is a professional Badminton Coach and a Content Writer. Sports is his deep-hearted passion and helping young athletes to pursue sports is his mission. Born in Assam, he comes from a small town and aspires to contribute to the field of sports and bring change in the life of people. He wants every individual to play sports and live sports.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital innovations, the convergence of technology and sports has created unprecedented opportunities for young people. World Youth Day 2024, with its theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” highlights this intersection, exploring how digital platforms and tools can drive sustainable development within the realm of sports.

The Digital Era in Sports: A Catalyst for Youth Empowerment

The digital revolution has permeated every aspect of modern life, including sports. From online coaching and virtual reality training to data-driven performance analysis, the role of technology in sports is transformative. For today’s youth, who are digital natives, this shift presents unique opportunities to excel and contribute to sustainable development through sports.

Digital platforms have democratized access to sports knowledge and training resources, breaking down barriers that once limited participation to those with physical access to facilities. Now, aspiring athletes from remote or underprivileged areas can access world-class coaching and connect with a global community of peers and mentors. This inclusivity fosters talent development across diverse regions, aligning with the principles of sustainable development by promoting equality and reducing disparities.

Sustainable Development Through Sports: The Role of Youth

Sports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for promoting peace, social inclusion, and healthy lifestyles. However, with the advent of digital technology, the scope of sports as a driver of sustainable development has expanded significantly. Young people, equipped with digital tools, are at the forefront of this movement.

One of the most notable impacts of digital technology in sports is its ability to amplify social initiatives. Through social media campaigns, crowdfunding platforms, and virtual events, young athletes and sports enthusiasts can raise awareness about critical issues such as climate change, gender equality, and health. These digital efforts not only inspire action but also mobilize resources for grassroots sports programs that address these global challenges.

Harnessing Digital Pathways for Grassroots Sports Development

At the grassroots level, digital pathways offer a lifeline to sports programs in regions with limited infrastructure. Real-life examples from around the world demonstrate how these digital initiatives are transforming lives:

1. India: Khelo India Mobile App

In India, the government’s Khelo India initiative has taken a digital leap with the launch of the Khelo India Mobile App. Designed to promote grassroots sports across the country, the app provides young athletes with access to training modules, talent identification programs, and competition schedules. By bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, this app ensures that talent from every corner of the country can be nurtured and developed. The app also encourages youth participation in sports by providing incentives and recognition, contributing to the holistic development of young athletes and promoting a culture of sports in India.

1. Kenya: The Enda Community Running Initiative

In Kenya, a nation renowned for its long-distance runners, the Enda Sportswear company launched the Enda Community Running Initiative. This program uses social media and digital platforms to connect young runners from remote areas with professional athletes, coaches, and sports scientists. Through online coaching sessions and webinars, young athletes receive training tips, nutritional advice, and psychological support, helping them develop their skills and pursue professional careers. This initiative not only promotes sports but also supports sustainable development by fostering community engagement and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

1. Brazil: Futebol Social

Brazil, a country with a deep passion for football, has embraced digital platforms to drive social change through sports. The Futebol Social project uses digital tools to organize and promote football tournaments for underprivileged youth in favelas (urban slums). Through the project’s website and social media channels, young players can register for tournaments, access coaching resources, and connect with mentors. The initiative also raises awareness about social issues such as violence, drug abuse, and poverty, using football as a medium for education and empowerment. By combining sports with digital technology, Futebol Social creates opportunities for youth to escape the cycle of poverty and build better futures.

1. United States: The Aspen Institute’s Project Play

In the United States, the Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative has leveraged digital technology to advance youth sports and physical activity. Through a comprehensive online platform, Project Play provides resources, tools, and best practices for parents, coaches, and community leaders to promote sports participation among young people. The initiative focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality sports experiences. By promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, Project Play aligns with the goals of sustainable development, contributing to the well-being of future generations.

The Future of Sports and Sustainable Development

As we look to the future, the potential for digital technology to drive sustainable development in sports is immense. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) will further revolutionize sports, creating new avenues for youth engagement and empowerment.

However, to fully realize this potential, it is essential to ensure equitable access to digital resources. Bridging the digital divide remains a critical challenge, particularly in developing regions. Investments in digital infrastructure, coupled with targeted programs to enhance digital literacy among youth, are crucial steps toward ensuring that all young people can participate in and benefit from the digital transformation of sports.

World Youth Day 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the role that young people and digital technology can play in advancing sustainable development through sports. By embracing digital pathways, youth around the world can contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future, where sports are not only a source of entertainment and health but also a catalyst for positive social change. As we celebrate this day, let us commit to supporting and empowering the next generation of athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, who are paving the way from clicks to progress.

About the author

Shashidhar has been involved in sports for close to a decade. In the past, he has worked with ISL club Delhi Dynamos as Club Secretary. His grounded passion for sports made him to NGO organizations like “Just For Kicks” to implement their football programs in government schools. Shashi is an avid footballer and trekker.

The stage is set for a historic moment as India prepares to send its largest-ever contingent to the Paralympic Games. The Paris Paralympics 2024, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, will witness a formidable Indian team of 84 athletes, including 32 women, ready to make their mark on the global stage. This is a significant leap from the Tokyo Paralympics where India fielded a team of 54 athletes.

The City of Lights will be the backdrop for a diverse range of Indian talent across various disciplines. From the precision of archery to the raw power of athletics, the grit of badminton to the elegance of equestrian, India’s representatives are set to showcase their exceptional abilities.

The athletics track promises to be a hotbed of Indian action with a formidable squad of 38 athletes. The likes of Sumit Antil, the reigning Paralympic champion in javelin throw, will be looking to defend their title, while the likes of Nishad Kumar, Mariyappan Thangavelu, and Deepa Malik will be aiming for podium finishes.

Badminton, a relatively new addition to the Paralympic roster, has witnessed a meteoric rise in India. With 13 players in the fray, including the likes of Manoj Sarkar, Krishna Nagar, and Pramod Bhagat, India is poised to make a substantial impact in this sport.

The aquatic disciplines of swimming, canoeing, and rowing will also see Indian participation. Suyash Narayan Jadhav will be the lone swimmer representing India, while Prachi Yadav, Yash Kumar, and Pooja Ojha will carry the nation’s hopes in canoeing. Anita and Naryana Konganapalle will be the duo to watch out for in rowing.

Other sports like archery, powerlifting, shooting, and table tennis will also see Indian representation.

 Harvinder Singh, Rakesh Kumar, and Shyam Sundar Swami will be the archers to watch out for, while Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani will be the powerlifters carrying India’s hopes. A strong contingent of 10 shooters, including the likes of Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal, will be aiming for medals, while Sonalben Patel and Bhavinaben Patel will be the table tennis players representing India.   

Completing the Indian contingent are the para-judoka Kapil Parmar and Kokila, and para-taekwondo athlete Aruna.

As the countdown to Paris 2024 begins, the nation is brimming with anticipation and excitement. With a larger and more diverse team, India is aiming to surpass its previous best performance at the Tokyo Paralympics, where it clinched a historic 19 medals. The dream of surpassing the 25-medal mark is on, and the Indian contingent is determined to make it a reality.

Below is a detailed look at the Indian athletes who have qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, categorized by their respective sports.

Para Archery (6 Athletes)

1. Harvinder Singh – Men’s Individual Recurve Open, Mixed Team Recurve Open (ST)

2. Rakesh Kumar – Men’s Individual Compound Open, Mixed Team Compound Open (W2)

3. Shyam Sundar Swami – Men’s Individual Compound Open, Mixed Team Compound Open (ST)

4. Pooja – Women’s Individual Recurve Open, Mixed Team Recurve Open (ST)

5. Sarita – Women’s Individual Compound Open, Mixed Team Compound Open (W2)

6. Sheetal Devi – Women’s Individual Compound Open, Mixed Team Compound Open (ST)

Para Athletics (38 Athletes)

1. Deepthi Jeevanji – Women’s 400m -T20

2. Sumit Antil – Men’s Javelin Throw – F64

3. Sandeep – Men’s Javelin Throw – F64

4. Ajeet Singh – Men’s Javelin Throw – F46

5. Sundar Singh Gurjar – Men’s Javelin Throw – F46

6. Rinku – Men’s Javelin Throw – F46

7. Navdeep – Men’s Javelin Throw – F41

8. Yogesh Kathuniya – Men’s Discus Throw – F56

9. Dharambir – Men’s Club Throw – F51

10. Pranav Soorma – Men’s Club Throw – F51

11. Amit Kumar – Men’s Club Throw – F51

12. Nishad Kumar – Men’s High Jump – T47

13. Ram Pal – Men’s High Jump – T47

14. Mariyappan Thangavelu – Men’s High Jump – T63

15. Shailesh Kumar – Men’s High Jump – T63

16. Sharad Kumar – Men’s High Jump – T63

17. Sachin Sarjerao Khilari – Men’s Shot Put – F46

18. Mohd. Yasser – Men’s Shot Put – F46

19. Rohit Kumar – Men’s Shot Put – F46

20. Preethi Pal – Women’s 100m – T35, Women’s 200m – T35

21. Bhagyashri Madhavrao Jadhav – Women’s Shot Put – F34

22. Manu – Men’s Shot Put – F37

23. Parveen Kumar – Men’s Javelin Throw – F57

24. Ravi Rongali – Men’s Shot Put – F40

25. Sandip Sanjay Gurjar – Men’s Javelin Throw – F64

26. Arvind – Men’s Shot Put – F35

27. Dipesh Kumar – Men’s Javelin Throw – F54

28. Praveen Kumar – Men’s High Jump – T64

29. Dilip Mahadu Gavit – Men’s 400m – T47

30. Soman Rana – Men’s Shot Put – F57

31. Hokato Hotozhe Sema – Men’s Shot Put – F57

32. Sakshi Kasana – Women’s Discus Throw – F55

33. Karamjyoti – Women’s Discus Throw – F55

34. Rakshitha Raju – Women’s 1500m – T11

35. Amisha Rawat – Women’s Shot Put – F46

36. Bhavanaben Ajabaji Chaudhary – Women’s Javelin Throw – F46

37. Simran – Women’s 100m – T12, Women’s 200m – T12

38. Kanchan Lakhani – Women’s Discus Throw – F53

Para Badminton (13 Athletes)

1. Manoj Sarkar – Men’s Singles SL3

2. Nitesh Kumar – Men’s Singles SL3, Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5

3. Krishna Nagar – Men’s Singles SH6

4. Sivarajan Solaimalai – Men’s Singles SH6, Mixed Doubles SH6

5. Suhas Yathiraj – Men’s Singles SL4, Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5

6. Sukant Kadam – Men’s Singles S4

7. Tarun – Men’s Singles S4

8. Manasi Joshi – Women’s Singles SL3

9. Mandeep Kaur – Women’s Singles SL3

10. Palak Kohli – Women’s Singles SL4, Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5

11. Manisha Ramadass – Women’s Singles SU5

12. Thulasimathi Murugesan – Women’s Singles SU5, Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5

13. Nithya Sre Sivan – Women’s Singles SH6, Mixed Doubles SH6

Para Canoe (3 Athletes)

1. Prachi Yadav – Women’s Va’a Single 200m VL2

2. Yash Kumar – Men’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1

3. Pooja Ojha – Women’s Kayak Single 200m -KL1

Para Cycling (2 Athletes)

1. Arshad Shaik – Road – Men’s C2 Ind. Time Trial, Road – Men’s C1-3 Road Race, Track – Men’s C1-3 1000m Time Trial, Track – Men’s C2 3000m Ind. Pursuit

2. Jyoti Gaderiya – Road – Women’s C1-3 Ind. Time Trial, Road – Women’s C1-3 Road Race, Track – Women’s C1-3 500m Time Trial, Track – Women’s C1-3 3000m Ind. Pursuit

Blind Judo (2 Athletes)

1. Kapil Parmar – Men’s -60kg J1

2. Kokila – Women’s -48kg J2

Para Powerlifting (4 Athletes)

1. Paramjeet Kumar – Men’s up to 49kg

2. Ashok – Men’s up to 63kg

3. Sakina Khatun – Women’s up to 45kg

4. Kasthuri Rajamani – Women’s up to 67kg

Para Rowing (2 Athletes)

1. Anita – PR3 Mix Dbl Sculls-PR3Mix2x

2. Naryana Konganapalle – PR3 Mix Dbl Sculls-PR3Mix2x

Para Shooting (10 Athletes)

1. Amir Ahmad Bhat – P3 – Mixed 25m Pistol SH1

2. Avani Lekhara – R2 – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1, R8 – Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1

3. Mona Agarwal – R2 – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, R6 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1, R8 – Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1

4. Nihal Singh – P3 – Mixed 25m Pistol SH1, P4 – Mixed 50m Pistol SH1

5. Manish Narwal – P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1

6. Rudransh Khandelwal – P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1, P4 – Mixed 50m Pistol SH1

7. Sidhartha Babu – R3 – Mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1, R6 – Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1

8. Deepender Singh – P1 – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1, P3 – Mixed 25m Pistol SH1

9. Sidhartha Rathore – R7 – Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1, R1 – Men’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1

10. Swapnil Smadhurkar – R7 – Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1

Para Swimming (4 Athletes)

1. Suyash Jadhav – Men’s 50m Butterfly S7, Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM7

2. Niranjan Mukundan – Men’s 50m Butterfly S7, Men’s 100m Freestyle S7

3. Paralympian Advait Bhartiya – Men’s 100m Breaststroke SB11

4. Nashik Nikhil Mandhare – Men’s 100m Breaststroke SB11

Para Table Tennis (2 Athletes)

1. Bhavina Patel – Women’s Singles Class 4

2. Sonu Sharma – Men’s Singles Class 7

Para Taekwondo (2 Athletes)

1. Aruna Tanwar – Women’s K44 -49kg

2. Neetu Gulia – Women’s K44 -58kg

India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a testament to the country’s growing strength and depth in para-sports. With a well-rounded contingent across various sports, expectations are high for India to better its performance from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where the nation secured an impressive haul of 19 medals, including 5 golds. The athletes are gearing up to showcase their skills and bring glory to the nation on the world stage.

Author

Rishab is an aspiring sports journalist, currently pursuing his master’s in multimedia journalism at Christ University, Bangalore. Having previously worked with various organizations such as TheNewsMinute, TimesNetwork, DeccanHerald, and Sportskeeda, he is an avid sports enthusiast.

About 30-60% of athletes are affected by performance anxiety. Performance anxiety is a set of emotions that can be beneficial up to a point, triggering a “fight or flight” response that prepares the body for potential danger, making us more alert and ready to respond. Often, for most, the feeling will subside once the performance starts or once it’s over. But there are also people for whom performance anxiety can be extremely limiting. Performance anxiety is something that people need to become more aware of because it can prevent people from pursuing their passions or careers. 

There are 3 common causes of performance anxiety, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and unrealistic expectations. Humans are prone to “what if” thinking. We often think, “What if I fail? What if I let others down?” Our fear of failure leaves us focused on what could go wrong — and what we need to avoid — rather than focusing on our goal. For most athletes, they focus on all the mistakes they could make rather than what they want to achieve and what they should be doing. Lack of confidence has to do with our belief in ourselves and our ability to be successful or achieve specific goals and how it impacts our degree of anxiety. With not enough confidence we start to second guess every decision we make, and start to expect failure which leads to an unwillingness to try. The last, most common, cause of performance anxiety is unrealistic expectations. 

There are different types of symptoms: physical, psychological, and behavioral. The most common psychological symptoms are fear, worry, apprehension, embarrassment, shame, and low self-esteem. The most common physical symptoms are racing pulse, rapid breathing, dry mouth, tight throat, trembling hands, knees, lips, and voice, sweaty and cold hands, nausea and an uneasy feeling in your stomach, and vision changes. Finally, the most common behavioral symptoms are an urge to escape, stuttering, frequent or long silences, and choosing to engage less with situations that cause anxiety. 

There are many different ways to deal with performance anxiety and cope with it, such as CBT techniques, mindfulness, preparation and practice, positive visualization and self-talk, and support systems. One way to deal with performance anxiety is to take measures beforehand to prevent it. On the day of there are multiple things you can do, such as limit sugar and caffeine intake, and eat a balanced meal. To be prepared long term make sure to exercise well, have a balanced diet, and make sure to practice. 

Another way to deal with it is with CBT techniques and mindfulness. One of CBT’s main ideas is shifting focus, changing thinking patterns from negative to positive, and shifting perspectives. For example, instead of thinking, “I must not make any mistakes,” you could intentionally reframe it to, “I am prepared and capable of handling any challenges that come my way.” One part of CBT is exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing yourself to anxiety-provoking situations. In the context of performance anxiety, this could mean starting with low-pressure scenarios, and gradually working up to more challenging situations. 

Mindfulness is meant to help keep you in the moment, you focus on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the present moment, without interpretation or judgment. Our brains can’t “think” in two different time frames at the same time. You’re either in the present or stuck in the past or future. By using mindfulness, you can focus on the here and now in a non-judgmental way to remove the stress that thinking about other “time zones” can cause. The first step of mindfulness is to set an intention. When you have a specific intention or goal when you practice mindfulness, you will find it more successful. There are many different breathing techniques to help practice mindfulness, and it may take time to find which ones work best for you. The most common ones are the box breathing technique, diaphragmatic breathing, and pursed lip breathing. 

Box breathing is a deep breathing technique that involves a 4-4-4-4 pattern of inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding. The first step is to sit or stand with your back straight and close your eyes, then inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, then hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly and steadily through your mouth for a count of four, then hold your breath again for a count of four, and repeat for as long as you want.

Diaphragmatic breathing, which is also known as belly breathing, can help you use your diaphragm properly. When you begin, you may feel tired, but over time the technique should become easier and should feel more natural. The first step is to lie on your back with your knees slightly bent and your head on a pillow, you may place a pillow under your knees for support.

Place one hand on your upper chest and one hand below your rib cage, allowing you to feel the movement of your diaphragm. Then slowly inhale through your nose, feeling your stomach pressing into your hand. Make sure to keep your other hand as still as possible. Exhale using pursed lips as you tighten your abdominal muscles, keeping your upper hand completely still.

Pursed lip breathing is a simple breathing technique that helps to slow down your breathing pace by having you apply deliberate effort in each breath. You can practice pursed lip breathing at any time. The first step is to relax your neck and shoulders, making sure to keep your mouth closed and inhale slowly through your nose for 2 counts. Pucker your lips as though you were going to whistle. And exhale slowly by blowing air through your pursed lips for a count of 4.

Performance anxiety affects athletes and even many others, limiting their potential. It stems from fear of failure, lack of confidence, and unrealistic expectations, leading to physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Effective coping mechanisms include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, preparation, positive visualization, and support systems. Techniques like box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing help manage anxiety in the moment. By understanding and addressing performance anxiety, individuals can improve their well-being and achieve their goals with confidence and resilience. Raising awareness is crucial to providing the necessary support for those affected. 

About me:

I am a high school student from New York. I come from a family that loves sports and have played different sports my entire life. I used to be an athlete and had to stop playing due to an injury, and now I am very passionate about bringing awareness to the mental health of athletes. 

People seem to forget that athletes are people too. They suffer from many different things that other people do too, but just differently. Athletes suffer from injuries, and physical limitations, dealing with relationships, imperfections, and public pressures, as well as dealing with life outside of their sports. These factors, most of the time, end up leading to mental health issues. 

Athletes’ careers will inevitably include injuries, and the physical toll these injuries have on their bodies is frequently overlooked. Athletes actually endure difficult rehabilitation and the uncertainty of whether they will return, despite the public’s perception of swift recoveries or victories following failures. Feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and even sadness may result from this. Athletes are not unbeatable despite their physical prowess; their struggles with injuries serve as a reminder that, like anybody else facing physical constraints, they are vulnerable and in agony.

Athletes have relationships, families, and friendships outside of their sport, all of which can be impacted by their grueling professional schedules. These interpersonal relationships may be strained by long training sessions, frequent travel, and the pressure to succeed. Athletes struggle with balance, just like anybody else juggling work and life. Apart from major controversies, which add to the tension, most of their achievements and difficulties off the field go unnoticed. However, they are crucial in demonstrating that, like the rest of us, athletes have both pleasures and challenges in their relationships.

Athletes are adored, yet they are not flawless. Like everyone else, they make mistakes in both their personal and professional life. But because of the high standards set for them, they frequently let their blunders slip, which results in criticism from the general public. Athletes ought to have the grace to grow as people and learn from their mistakes. Acknowledging their flaws makes them more relatable and serves as a reminder that no one is perfect, regardless of how gifted or successful they may be.

In addition, the general public frequently elevates athletes to a pedestal and expects them to perform flawlessly both on and off the field. It may be extremely stressful and degrading for sportsmen to live up to the expectations of others. Athletes experience emotional exhaustion due to fans’ unceasing demand for perfection. Athletes who struggle to reach the unrealistic standards set for them may experience stress and burnout as a result of these excessive expectations. We can better appreciate that they are more than their accomplishments or results when we recognize the weight of this pressure.

One of the most trying times for athletes is when they retire or stop competing in sports. They go through an identity crisis that is comparable to what many others go through when they leave a career or significant stage of life. Many devote years of their lives to their sport, and afterwards, they battle with issues of meaning, value, and what comes next. The difficulties in pursuing a new interest or career highlight the reality that athletes are more than just their professions. Their journey outside of sports demonstrates that they experience the same stages of self-realization and self-reinvention as everyone else.

Athletes may seem invincible on the field, but they are not strangers to mental health issues. They deal with pressure to perform at high levels, cope with setbacks, and manage public expectations can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Many athletes face intense scrutiny and often feel like they have to hide their struggles to maintain their image. This can make it difficult for them to seek help or acknowledge their emotional well-being. Highlighting their mental health challenges reminds us that athletes, like everyone, are susceptible to the same emotional ups and downs that we all experience and that we need to remember they are human too. 

Author

Sanvi, a high school student from New York, comes from a family deeply passionate about sports. Once an athlete herself, she had to stop playing due to an injury. Now, she is dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges athletes face.

Have you ever wondered what happens to an athlete once they retire? No more can you watch them play, no more regular updates from their life of fame, so what do they do and what do they go through? When athletes leave their sport, the transition can significantly affect their mental health, creating feelings of grief, loss, and identity confusion. Many athletes dedicate years to developing their skills, investing physically and emotionally, and even defining themselves by their sport. Suddenly stepping away from this structured environment can bring about a deep sense of loss. This transition often leads to an identity crisis, as athletes grapple with a sense of “who am I now?” without the role they’ve known. Research highlights that this process often entails feelings of depression and anxiety, which are amplified by the sudden change in routine, goals, and relationships (Carapinheiro & Dantas, 2019). Without a support system or new purpose, athletes may feel disconnected from their usual sources of meaning, leading to what’s sometimes termed “post-career depression” (Schuring et al., 2017). The absence of the intense, goal-oriented focus that comes with athletic training leaves many former athletes struggling to

find an equivalent sense of purpose, leading to mental health challenges that require conscious, strategic coping methods.

So do you think it is always possible for the athlete to take care of their well-being positively?

For now let’s talk about the athletes who actually do it in a positive post-sport life, which is possible, and many athletes have successfully transitioned by adopting strategies that promote mental and emotional well-being. One of the first steps is to define a new sense of identity and purpose outside the world of competitive sports. This often involves taking up new activities, learning skills, or engaging in professional or personal ventures that can bring excitement and personal growth. Studies show that exploring fresh interests or career paths can be a powerful way to cultivate a renewed sense of meaning and direction (Lavallee & Wylleman, 2000). For example, some athletes dive into entrepreneurship or business, using their leadership and discipline skills honed through sports to drive success. Others return to school, pursue coaching, or explore creative pursuits. By setting new goals, they create fulfilling pathways that help them focus forward rather than dwell on the past. Another vital aspect of maintaining mental health after a sports career is prioritizing physical activity, albeit in a less intense or performance-focused way. Many former athletes find joy in activities like yoga, hiking, swimming, or even casual recreational sports, which provide physical and mental benefits without the injury risks associated with high-level competition. An active lifestyle post-retirement can improve both physical and mental health, and by staying connected to fitness in a sustainable way, former athletes can mitigate some of the challenges associated with leaving their sport (Smith & McGannon, 2017).

Building a support network is another cornerstone of a successful post-sport life. Maintaining

contact with former teammates, coaches, or mentors provides a sense of continuity and shared understanding. Transitioning away from a team-focused environment can lead to a sense of isolation, so finding ways to stay socially connected is essential. Engaging in social networks outside of sports, whether through new friendships, professional groups, or hobby-based communities helps broaden the former athlete’s world and build a sense of belonging. Some find that mentoring younger athletes or working in sports-related fields provides them with a sense of purpose while keeping them connected to the world they once inhabited. In addition, many athletes benefit from counselling or mental health support. Therapy can offer valuable tools for navigating the emotional challenges of leaving a competitive environment, redefining one’s identity, and creating a renewed sense of purpose. By working with a therapist or counsellor, athletes can learn effective coping strategies, process their feelings, and better adjust to the next phase of life with optimism.

Now let’s talk about the ones who don’t take the right way, the positive method. So these athletes take the lane of isolation and some use maladaptive coping mechanisms. So one of the sole bases for their negative routing for life is Regret. Regret is another common and complex emotion that arises for many athletes when they transition away from sports, but it is possible to move beyond it with time and the right mindset. For athletes who spent years sacrificing and striving for excellence, it’s natural to feel regret over things they may have missed out on, choices made, or goals left unrealized. Overcoming these feelings often starts with reframing regret as a source of valuable lessons. Adopting a growth mindset can help athletes view their experiences as a journey that contributed to their personal growth rather than a series of missed opportunities (Carapinheiro & Dantas, 2019). Reflecting on accomplishments and positive memories, instead of focusing on perceived failures or what could have been, can transform regret into gratitude for the lessons learned and memories made. Additionally, setting new goals outside of sports provides a way to redirect energy and focus, helping to build momentum toward personal growth. This shift in focus can help reduce feelings of loss, as athletes begin to feel excited about the possibilities ahead rather than mourning what is behind.

Practising mindfulness and acceptance is another effective approach for managing regret.

Mindfulness techniques allow former athletes to stay present and approach their feelings

without judgment. Studies indicate that mindfulness practices can reduce the emotional impact of regret by helping individuals to accept their emotions and move forward rather than dwelling on the past (Schuring et al., 2017). Mindfulness-based strategies, such as meditation or visualization, can help athletes process feelings of regret and let them go over time. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another therapeutic approach that teaches people to acknowledge their thoughts and feelings, including regret, without letting them control their actions. Learning to accept regret as a normal part of the transition while committing to intentional, values-driven action helps former athletes find peace with the past and excitement for the future.

Finally, finding ways to leave a legacy can help transform regret into purpose. Many athletes

find fulfilment in sharing their experiences, mentoring others, or contributing to their

communities. Some give back through charitable initiatives, coaching, or speaking to inspire

young athletes. Creating a positive legacy beyond athletic achievement allows former athletes to view their careers as just one chapter of a broader life narrative that continues to impact others. Over time, as athletes focus on the present and future, their feelings of regret naturally diminish. Instead of feeling defined by their athletic career, they begin to feel proud of their overall journey, including the new experiences and challenges they embrace. Through reframing, acceptance, mindfulness, and a focus on creating a legacy, many former athletes eventually find themselves moving beyond regret and finding genuine fulfilment in the next stage of their lives.

about the author:

Pranav N Raj has completed his Bachelor’s in Psychology (honours) degree

from Christ University, Bangalore. He had been an active athlete in the sport of

cricket and even now is devoted to the game and its values. He aspires to

become a sports psychologist in the future and intends to be the best and

most original version of himself to help other athletes to always do the best

that they can.