YOGA: A TOOL FOR ENHANCING PERFORMANCE OF

SPORTSMEN – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Dr. Vadde Venkata Karthik, BNYS, MD (Clinical Yoga) Scholar, Dr. Shivaprasad Shetty,
BNYS, M.Sc (Yoga), Ph.D (Yoga), Dr. Shashikiran H C, BNYS, MD (Clinical Yoga).

SDM College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Ujire

Background:

Sports involve physical and mental activity and require skill, with the primary goal of
winning. Athletes must devote much energy and focus to their sport to perform at their best.
They train intensively to succeed and maintain a constant level of performance in high-
pressure situations. A defeat can lead to a depressed mood and make it difficult to stay
motivated. Stress is a natural part of sports, and if managed correctly, it can motivate players
to strive for perfection and give their all. However, if stress exceeds an ideal threshold, it can
lead to negative impacts on an athlete's performance and well-being. Due to the intense
training and competition schedules, athletes often experience stress and are susceptible to
injuries and mental health issues such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive
disorders.

Materials and Methods:

Yoga is an ancient Eastern mind-body discipline that can help athletes relax their mind and
body. It aims to join or unite all components of our being, including our physical, mental,
emotional, and future goals. Yoga enhances self-awareness, self-compassion, and a more
positive relationship with oneself through successes and setbacks, which are beneficial for
athletes who must deal with stress and pressure.

Discussion:

Yoga improves interoceptive awareness, which helps athletes better sense and comprehend
their bodies and determine what their bodies require. Moreover, it prepares the body and
mind to handle stressful conditions and aids in relaxation and recuperation, which is
beneficial for athletes who are prone to overtraining. Yoga has the potential to help athletes
manage stress, promote well-being, and improve performance.

Conclusion:
More studies are required to determine the efficacy of yoga therapies in athletic groups, but
anecdotal evidence suggests its advantages. By developing evidence-based strategies for
improving performance, resilience, and general quality of life, this research will help
maximize the potential benefits of yoga for athletes.

Keywords: Yoga, Sports, Stress