NEW DELHI: The Indian men's football team has welcomed a sports psychologist to their ranks, marking a significant milestone in their approach to prioritising the mental well-being of players, as announced by the national federation on Monday.
In line with this new focus, Shayamal Vallabhjee, a seasoned professional with experience in working with renowned sports entities like the ATP Tour, IPL franchises, and professional golfers worldwide, has joined the national camp of players who are diligently preparing for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar, scheduled for next month.
Following the Intercontinental Cup, the Indian team's journey will continue with their participation in the SAFF Championship, which is set to take place in Bengaluru. This will be followed by a series of international commitments leading up to the highly-anticipated Asian Cup in Doha, scheduled for January 2024.
The inclusion of a sports psychologist in the team signifies the realisation of the vital role mental health plays in sports. By embracing this holistic approach to player development, the national federation aims to enhance performance and equip players with the necessary tools to navigate the demanding landscape of competitive football.
Vallabhjee's expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the players' mental conditioning and help them cope with the pressures and challenges that come with top-level competition.
Through mental health support, players will have access to strategies for managing stress, maintaining focus, and building resilience. Additionally, the presence of a sports psychologist provides a safe environment for players to address any concerns or anxieties they may have, fostering overall mental well-being and optimizing their performance on the field.
This progressive step taken by the Indian men's football team underscores their commitment to player welfare and recognises the significance of a comprehensive support system.
By prioritising mental health, the team aims to create a conducive environment for players to thrive and achieve success not only in the upcoming tournaments but also in their long-term careers.
"A renewed focus on mental health is among the federation's driving objectives to not just maximise potential and performances, but also create an environment of trust and togetherness among players," the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a media release.
"The addition of a sports psychologist will also address situations of burnout among players and ensure that they have recovery mechanisms available to them to work through it."
Head coach Igor Stimac expresses optimism regarding the inclusion of sports psychologist Vallabhjee in the team's staff, recognising the potential long-term benefits for the Indian men's football team. Stimac believes that Vallabhjee's presence will not only contribute to the players' individual development but also foster a stronger team culture and a sense of belonging within the locker room.
“We will start with understanding how each player's personality type responds to pressure and then go on to create a coaching mechanism that helps them become emotionally resilient to external pressure,” said Stimac.
“Conversations with a psychologist will provide the coaching staff a window into how every player absorbs information, which will then enable us to create communication strategies that optimise their learning.
"Mr Vallabhjee has experience in sports psychology and is here to help us improve in many points we haven't had time to work on before. Making player profiles will help the coach staff communicate better within themselves and with the team."
Vallabhjee expressed his enthusiasm and excitement regarding his role with the national team and shared that his initial conversations with the players and coaching staff have already shown promising outcomes.
"Players are physiologically monitored on a regular basis, with every aspect of their physical well-being scrutinised and worked on. It is important to do the same for them psychologically. I am proud to be part of a new Indian Football project and hope to help them achieve success here,” he said.
