Sanjana Kiran, Mysuru-born sports psychologist, who has made a name for herself as a Mind Coach for athletes world over is now in Paris. Sanjana is currently handling 53 athletes, including those from India and other countries, at the Paris Summer Olympics 2024, mentoring them. Sanjana Kiran spoke to Star of Mysore from Paris. Excerpts…

Star of Mysore (SOM): What brings you to the Paris Olympics?

Sanjana: I have been working with sportspersons since the 2004 Athens Olympics. This is my 10th Olympic event, which includes seven Summer Olympics and three Winter Olympics. I have handled about 300 athletes, and more than 150 of them have achieved podium finishes. Currently, I am working with 53 athletes, including 11 from India and others from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the USA, and the Netherlands, at the Paris Olympics.

SOM: How different are the athletes to handle, especially in an event like the Olympics?

Sanjana: It depends on individual sports, countries, and the Olympic cycle. During the London 2012 Olympics, my clientele consisted of athletes aged 20 years and above, except for gymnastics. Things have changed since then. During the 2016 Rio Olympics, the age group of the athletes dropped considerably, with 70-80 percent of my clientele under 20 years and 60 percent within the age group of 17 years. I have been working with elite athletes since my first Olympics, and the success I have achieved over the years has only increased my clientele.

SOM: There are comparisons made between athletes from India and other countries. What do you think about this?

Sanjana: Comparing one athlete to another is not beneficial. Every athlete I work with presents a different challenge. The more elite the athlete, the greater the challenge. Managing their emotions at different levels is crucial.

In my opinion, wisdom gained through experience is not always the best friend for an elite athlete. The more you know, the more you tend to focus on minute details. While they may be happy with their performance, they are often not satisfied because they overthink. Motivation and focus are not issues for them, but converting their high and low emotions into positive results requires a lot of courage.

SOM: You have seen athletes from various countries competing at the highest level. How do you rate the progress of Indian athletes?

Sanjana: Progress has been good with a new approach and an increase in representation. However, more can be done to tap into our country’s abundant talent. Over the past year, we have been implementing new strategies based on our experiences. While winning a bronze medal is an achievement, getting a podium finish at the Olympics is a different                                        experience altogether.

SOM: Tell us about your preparations before an important event such as the Olympics.

Sanjana: Sports psychologists work in close physical proximity with the athletes. Taking on the responsibility of handling athletes involves a lot of running around and constant discussions with coaches and support staff. A sports psychologist must always observe the players and ensure they perform their tasks to the best of their abilities.

SOM: What, according to you, is the success mantra for an athlete competing at an international level?

Sanjana: An athlete needs to be fit both mentally and physically. Every sport is designed differently, and athletes are tested each time they compete. There is a lot of maths and physics involved in developing new strategies and game plans. Maintaining a calm head and applying the mind effectively is crucial. The battle with oneself is often more intense than battling external factors.

SOM: What is the success mantra for a sports psychologist?

Sanjana: Firstly, a person aspiring to be a sports psychologist must be ready to work behind the scenes. Efficiency comes with experience. Importantly, understanding the nuances of the sport is essential. Only someone with a calm head can be a good sports psychologist, capable of working with some of the best athletes in the world. Sports psychology is not for those seeking the limelight. —VNS