Boxing Federation of India conducts online mental fitness session for boxers during lockdown

The Boxing Federation of India on Sunday became the first national sports body to conduct a mental fitness and emotional well-being session, which was attended by 374 boxers and coaches from the country.

The interactive session covered issues like match-day anxiety, training in absence of coach and how to maintain well-being during such uncertain times. The experts also discussed tips on positivity and mindfulness as India in under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Samir Parikh, Director, Fortis National Mental Health Program and Divya Jain, Sports Psychologist, Head of Psychological Services, Fortis Healthcare, conducted the session.

“It is so important that the BFI is giving emphasis to mental conditioning and wellness in these times. It’s a very good initiative that needs to happen at all levels as a continuous effort,” said Dr Parikh.

During the session it was conveyed that to overcome the match-day anxiety, the pugilists should keep themselves relaxed by listening to soothing music and not think about the outcome of the bout.

Divya Jain, on her part, said: “Success in sport and other fields is not just about your technical skill base but also mental conditioning and as a player, you need to stay focused, confident and positive. Also, just like you devote time for physical training it is equally important that we devote time for mental conditioning as well.

With no tournament or camp in action, BFI started the E-Pathshala for its boxers across all age categories including the Olympic-bound players. While regular physical coaching sessions for the ones at the camp are already on in full flow, today’s mental fitness session was targeted to engage with the boxers and coaches to make it a more interactive session, addressing various questions and issues that boxers or coaches face while training.

With PTI Inputs