How athletes should deal with Covid-19 googly

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal`s Tokyo Olympic qualification chances were hit hard after the cancellation of the Malaysian Open and Singapore Open. Pic/AFP

Athletes all over the world are suffering with anxiety ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics which is overshadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Tokyo Games which were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, has left many athletes in a limbo, taking a toll on their mental health given the amount of physical and emotional investment made by them into their preparation.

During a virtual symposium on Friday, a panel of sports psychologists, working with many of India's Tokyo Olympic-bound athletes, weighed in on how difficult it can be mentally for the athletes due to the uncertainties imposed on them by the pandemic.

"The pandemic threw a googly at athletes, who are used to controlling situations. However, they now understand that it is okay to be uncomfortable, to feel helpless and that it could take a while for things to be normal," said Sanjana Kiran, who works with Olympics-bound athletes.

Mugdha Bavare, who is currently training many Tokyo-bound athletes across various sports, said the situation is challenging for the athletes and is bound to affect them mentally. "It has been heartbreaking for those whose qualifying or ranking events were cancelled and for others who could not travel for training or competition. Even for those who have qualified, the uncertainty presents a challenge," said Bavare.

Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth's Olympic qualification chances were hit hard after the cancellation of the Malaysian Open and Singapore Open.

When asked how an athlete copes with such a situation, Kiran said: "I would be devastated if I was in their position. Having worked hard and having made so many sacrifices for an additional year. Initially they will be shocked and angry, but at some point they need to accept it. It is not going to be an easy process especially not for those who might be looking at the Tokyo Games as their last Olympics. For those who are going through these emotions, I would say that it's ok to be emotional and frustrated. But once you are done with that, you should be looking at problem-focussed coping. How much of this you could have controlled. The answer is nothing. So when you know you couldn't have controlled the situation, when you know you have been honest with your efforts, that is the only comfort you can get out of it."

Bavare said that it is very important for the athletes to deal with such emotions.

"The most important thing that athletes have learnt during the pandemic is to express themselves. Opening up and dealing with these emotions is extremely important. It was quite difficult for many athletes when they came to know that the Olympics were postponed last year and now, many have coped well with the situation and are looking forward to the Games," Bavare explained.

The third panelist in the symposium, Mrinal Chakraborty said: The last couple of years have been unpredictable. Starting with 2019, how many would have thought the 2020 Olympics will get postponed? But it happened. I would say to all athletes that, anything can happen anytime. There is a word called hope. Maybe, something new can happen. And they should practise as if they might get an opportunity."