Bhubaneswar: Odisha hosted a significant step toward the holistic development of its athletes as Shri Sachin R Jhadav, Secretary of Sports and Youth Services, chaired an orientation program centered on the vital role of sports psychology. The session, held at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, was conducted by Shri Ravindran Natarajan, the founder of Bengaluru-based Mind School and a renowned specialist in behavioral science.
The program was specifically designed for the athletes of the state’s High Performance Centres and Sports Hostels, aiming to bridge the gap between physical prowess and mental resilience. Throughout the session, the focus remained on the pillars of mental conditioning, including techniques for enhancing concentration and achieving peak psychological preparedness for competitive environments.
Secretary, Shri Sachin R Jhadav emphasized that while technical skills and physical fitness are the foundation of any sport, the ability to handle pressure and maintain focus distinguishes elite performers from the rest. The collaboration with an expert like Shri Ravindran Natarajan, who has previously worked with the Indian National Cricket Academy and the Indian Golf Union, brings a wealth of experience in high-stakes performance management to the budding talent in Odisha.
The athletes engaged in discussions regarding the psychological demands of modern sports, learning how to manage anxiety and utilize visualization to improve their on-field execution. By integrating these mental strategies into their daily training routines, the Sports and Youth Services department aims to cultivate a generation of athletes who are as mentally tough as they are physically capable.
The orientation concluded with an interactive segment where participants explored the connection between mindset and consistent performance. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to providing comprehensive support systems that address every facet of an athlete’s journey toward excellence on the national and international stage.