There is a growing awareness among sportspersons on the need for mental training to enhance their performance on the field.
The YMCA and YMCA College of Physical Education, Nrupathanga Road, organised a seminar on “Mental Aspects Of Sports Performance”. It was held at the end of their Learn the Sports Skills camp. The seminar was facilitated by M.N. Vishwanath, a mental trainer. Vishwanath, who is also penning a book on the subject, stressed on the importance of mental training by sportspersons in addition to physical training. He said left to itself, an athlete’s body is tuned to perform at its peak, but unfortunately, negative emotions and attitudes often block the performance. “A positive mental outlook, bereft of all negative emotions such as anger, stress, anxiety and low self-esteem, would go a long way in enhancing one’s performance on the field,” he said.
Vishwanathan also pointed out that good a sportsperson always learns from mistakes, instead of dwelling on his/her setback. Vishwanath explained the mental training methods with examples and live demonstration for the audience. “Visualisation is a key element to success in sports,” he added “Before a competition, a sportsman should visualise how well he is going to play and see if he is in the best of physical and mental condition and ready to perform.”
The trainer then went on to teach several breathing techniques for relaxation.
