Yoga for Peak Performance: A Study on Mental Toughness and Motivation in Women Kho-Kho Players
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Abstract
The present study, “Yoga for Peak Performance: A Study on Mental Toughness and Motivation in Women Kho-Kho Players,” aimed to examine the effect of yoga training on psychological performance variables among women athletes. A total of 40 women Kho-Kho players from Andhra University participated in the study, divided equally into an experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). The experimental group underwent a structured yoga training program for 6–8 weeks, which included asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation techniques. The control group, meanwhile, continued with their regular training routines. Mental toughness and motivation were assessed using standardized questionnaires during pre-test and post-test phases. Data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation (SD), paired t-test, Independent t-test, and ANCOVA, with the level of significance set at 0.05. The results indicated a significant improvement in mental toughness and motivation in the experimental group after yoga training, whereas the control group showed no significant changes. Between-group comparisons revealed that the post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The study concludes that yoga is an effective intervention to enhance mental toughness and motivation among women Kho-Kho players, promoting peak psychological performance. Incorporating yoga into regular training can benefit athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists seeking holistic approaches to performance enhancement.
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References
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