National Sports Day is held annually on August 29. Sport is an essential element of life. These activities are not only enjoyable to do, but they also benefit our health and fitness. Sports provide excellent workouts. Some of these provide the advantages of a full exercise. The day emphasises the benefits of sports and physical activity for overall health. National Sports Day was first held in 2012.
HISTORY
Major Dhyan Chand, a hockey star born in 1905 in Allahabad to a Rajput family, celebrates his birthday today. Dhyan Chand had followed in his father's footsteps and joined the army. Dhyan Chand began playing hockey while serving in the army. The hockey genius brought several accolades to the country and was a member of the Indian hockey squad that won gold in the Olympics in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
Throughout his 22-year career, he scored more than 400 goals. Dhyan Chand led the squad with three goals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final, which they won 8-1 over Germany. The game marked the pinnacle of India's hockey exploits under Dhyan Chand's guidance. Even after his retirement, he continued to contribute to the game. He taught at various coaching camps in Rajasthan and was also the chief coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
The success of India's Pairs at the Olympics — A Tale of Grit and Collaboration In the Olympics, India has kept on performing better than its last outing, with each passing one with some or the other athlete breaking their own records. However, this year, the recognition goes to pairs in different categories who have excelled through their teamwork and determination.
1. Badminton Doubles The Indian duo combined both coordination and strategic thinking with raw unwavering determination to excel at the international stage like never before. They won a lot, but it was a roller-coaster ride getting to the top step on the podium filled with tense moments and tough competition. In those high-pressure matches, it was mental toughness that got them through to the winners' circle.
2. The archery mixed team also provided a major boost to their performance. In a sport where pinpoint accuracy is the name of the game and keeping nerves is vital, their calmness under pressure is a key factor in success. They had ice in their veins, and it led to one clutch performance after another.
3. Wrestling The Indian pairs showed tremendous cohesion in both training and competitions, specifically in wrestling. More importantly, her formidable mental strength to complement each other and counter the strategies of the opponent while not losing her cool in high-pressure situations played a significant part in her achievement.
How do Athletes Achieve the 'MENTAL CALM' that you can also do
Ever wonder what keeps athletes focused, calm and resilient through all of the chaos that comes with the lifestyle? Sure, they have impressive skills, strength, speed and agility, but there's more to the athlete puzzle beyond physical fitness: their mental game. Let's dive into how mastering the mind is the cheat code to athletic success and mental health.
Increasing Your Mental Toughness: A Plan of Attack
Evaluate and Measure the Progress
To strengthen your mental toughness, you must remain focused on it and practice it every day. You will not improve if you follow the actions in the previous sections without ever following up and evaluating your improvement. It is essential to evaluate yourself to take your own "toughness pulse."
One easy way to ensure you're getting stronger every day is to mentally plan before every training session and game and answer with mental toughness at the start of every day.
You can do this by saying it aloud in the mirror, writing it down, or even showing someone else that you're going to be mentally tough. Through doing so, you actively work on mental toughness, and your behaviours will follow in reality, increasing your confidence even more.
Rate yourself at the end of each day. Make some observations on how you demonstrated. Emotional toughness or when you fall short. When you fall short, don't judge or beat yourself up for it; instead, acknowledge it and move on, wiser for the effort. Make a promise to improve in the face of challenges and barriers.
Understand the Current Mental Toughness
Before you can start working on improving your mental toughness, you must first determine how mentally strong you are. You do this by measuring your mental toughness and then asking someone to rate it.
Be Determined
Now that you have a better understanding of the current level of mental toughness, you should continue to improve it. Make a list of all the various ways in which you can develop your mental toughness.
In School
> Struggling to improve the grades after receiving a low grade on an exam.
> Doing well in both the school and sports at the same time.
> Defying peer pressure and sticking to your values, such as not consuming drugs or alcohol.
> Seeking academic assistance when you need it.
In Relationships
> Saying something difficult for another person to hear while being considerate and compassionate.
> Instead of denying or suppressing your anger, try talking it out.
> Instead of being selfish, prioritise others.
> Expressing your hurt or anger to your friend firmly and politely about what he did or said.
The Way Forward with a Holistic Approach
This National Sports Day and the excellence of Indian teams in the Olympics just cannot be celebrated without speaking about mental health and its importance in sports. Success brought by our Olympic pairs this year shows how holistic an approach needs to be toward the development of any athlete, giving as much importance to their mental well-being as is given to physical training.
As a matter of fact, integrating mental health support into the sports training programs will be so crucial in fostering the next set of champions. By giving prominence to mental health, we can conquer the highest levels of greatness on the field while enjoying a balanced, rewarding life off it.
This National Sports Day, let us pledge for a more holistic approach towards sports with mental health as the cornerstone of success to return the toil and sweat of our athletes.
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