SAI searching for sports psychologists ahead of Commonwealth and Asian games

Sports Authority of India (SAI) is running door to door to try and arrange for mental trainers/sports psychologists for India’s athletes taking part in the Glasgow Commonwealth Games (July 23-August 3) and Asiad (September 19-October 4) in Incheon. India will be taking part in 13 out of 17 events in Glasgow and 30 out of 36 events at Incheon.

Speaking on the matter, SAI director general Jiji Thomson said:

“There has been a unanimous demand from the National Sports Federations to rope in mental trainers/sports psychologists for the athletes taking part in the Glasgow CWG (July 23-August 3) and Asiad (September 19-October 4) in Incheon.We will be providing mental trainers to the athletes competing in the two big events. Sport nowadays is as mental as physical and we hope the mind experts will help our athletes.”

SAI is having trouble finding proper mental trainers with the mega events just a few months away.

“We have begun our search but it has not been easy so far. There is no time to invite overseas applications and there are not many good mental trainers available in India. So far, we have finalised two trainers and one of them is already with the archery squad.” SAI secretary Neeraj Kansal was quoted as saying by Zee News. The athletes themselves have expressed their desire to have a psychologist to help them deal with the mental stress that comes with competing at the highest level.