Indian Knowledge System for Well-being of Elite Athletes: A Case Study

Description

Urmi Gupta and Rekha Singhal (Faculty of Contemplative and Behavioural Sciences, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha)

This study introduces a multimodal M4 model of mental wellness – grounded in indigenous therapies and practices from Indian Knowledge System (IKS), designed to provide rapid relief for transient mental health concerns in elite athletes. The model integrates empirically supported mind- body contemplative techniques to proactively address acute sleep deprivation, pre-competition stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. The M4 interventions were implemented with an Olympian gymnast experiencing short term sleep disturbance and heightened anxiety before an international competition. Intervention efficacy was evaluated using a structured, time-staggered approach. Findings indicate promising benefits in sleep onset, emotional regulation, emotional stability and training quality. These results position the M4 model as a culturally grounded, practice based bridge between indigenous knowledge and contemporary sport psychology. Further systematic validation and cross cultural replication of the model are recommended.