Indian Indigenous Practices in Athlete Mental Well-Being: A Theoretical Framework

Contemporary sport increasingly recognises the central role of psychological interventions in sustaining athlete well-being and performance consistency. This article introduces a novel contemplative, guided meditation and yoga practice-based well-being training model— integrating the indigenous practices of Samatvam Yog (equanimity), as articulated in the Bhagavad Gita, Pranayama (yogic breathing) and Yog Nidra (psychic sleep).Samatvam (equanimity) helps athletes disengage from uncontrollable external factors, regulate emotional reactivity, and maintain composure under performance pressure. Pranayama supports mental well-being through conscious breath regulation, enhancing autonomic balance, emotional stability, and attentional control. Yog Nidra facilitates profound psychophysiological recovery by reducing cognitive fatigue, improving self-awareness, and restoring emotional equilibrium. Together, these components address stress arising from poor performance, training demands, and competitive uncertainty, while strengthening resilience, self-regulation, and psychological recovery. Through sustained proactive practice and embodiment of these tenets, athletes develop enhanced self-awareness, impulse control, resilience, and mental balance. This integrative approach offers practical relevance for athlete development, mental health promotion, and long-term sporting excellence.