Khel Diwas

Khel Diwas, or National Sports Day, is celebrated annually on the 29th of August in India. This day is in honor of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose birthday falls on this day. Many regard Major Dhyan Chand is one of the greatest hockey players in history, and his contributions to Indian hockey have left an indelible mark on the nation.

Khel Diwas is dedicated to recognizing the importance of sports and physical activities in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Across states like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka, various sporting events, seminars, and activities are organized to promote physical fitness and raise awareness about the benefits of sports. Moreover, Khel Diwas also serves as a platform to launch sport initiatives like the Khelo India movement, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aimed at fostering grassroots sports development. Additionally, Khel Diwas is a significant occasion for recognizing the nation's sporting heroes. During a special ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President of India confers prestigious national sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Dronacharya Award, celebrating the achievements and contributions of athletes and coaches.

 Sports Boost Mental Health

Engagement in sports and physical activities has a profound impact on mental health. Regular participation in sports can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and decreased symptoms of depression. The physical exertion involved in sports stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones. These endorphins help to alleviate stress, enhance mood, and create a sense of overall well-being.

Moreover, sports provide a structured environment that encourages discipline, goal-setting, and resilience. These psychological benefits extend beyond the playing field, positively influencing various aspects of life, including academic performance, work productivity, and social interactions. For individuals facing mental health challenges, sports can offer a therapeutic outlet, helping them to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What is Sports Psychology?

Sports psychology is a specialized field of psychology that focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of athletic performance. It explores how mental health and psychological well-being can affect an athlete's performance and overall experience in sports. It encompasses a range of topics, including motivation, confidence, focus, and the ability to cope with pressure and adversity. The goal of sports psychology is to help athletes perform at their best by addressing the psychological factors that can impact their performance.

What Do Sports Psychologists Do?

Sports psychologists work with athletes, coaches, and teams to enhance performance and well-being. Their work includes a variety of tasks:

• Sports psychologists help athletes develop mental skills such as concentration, confidence, and composure. Athletes often use techniques like visualization, goal-setting, and mindfulness to enhance focus and perform well under pressure.

• Athletes often face intense pressure to perform, which can lead to anxiety and stress. Sports psychologists teach coping strategies to manage these emotions, allowing athletes to perform at their best even in high-stakes situations.

• Recovering from an injury can be mentally challenging. Therefore, sports psychologists support athletes maintain positivity, set goals, and stay motivated during injury recovery.

• Dynamics between players can significantly impact performance and most importantly in team sports. Sports psychologists work with teams to improve communication, build trust, and foster a positive and cohesive team environment.

• Athletes often face the challenge of balancing their sporting commitments with other aspects of life, such as academics, work, and personal relationships. Sports psychologists help athletes develop strategies to manage their time and prioritize their responsibilities effectively.

The Sports Authority of India recruits Sports Psychologists from time to time. If you are a psychologist looking forward to it, keep a check on their website.

To read more from APPS visit here.