International Yoga Day: Indian Hockey Players reflect on how yoga helps in handling stress

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 21 : Over the past few years, the Indian Men and Women's Hockey Teams have made yoga a part of their routine. With the game demanding the best out of the players, practicing yoga has had several benefits in keeping their minds and body fit.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day, stars of Indian Hockey Teams express how this ancient practice has helped them in their performance.

Hardik Singh, Indian Men's Team Vice Captain, said, "At first when we were introduced to Yoga, we felt like it was too slow and it was not easy to get all the asanas right. Many of us preferred pumping weights in the gym to practicing an hour of Yoga. But eventually, we have come to realize that practicing Yoga has helped tremendously in the power of mindfulness."

"Today, Yoga has become an integral part of our regime. Personally, it helps me focus better and particularly after my injury during the World Cup, Yoga has helped me in the recovery process. I feel a lot more relaxed after Yoga sessions and it has also helped us focus better," added the prolific midfielder.

Echoing Hardik's thoughts, Navneet Kaur, Vice Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, urged people to practice Yoga for their overall well-being.

She said, "Yoga is part of our weekly routine and it has immensely helped us to manage our stress levels. It relaxes our body, particularly after a heavy session, and some of the asanas have greatly helped us in our flexibility."

While the Indian Women's Hockey Team is currently at Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru for the National Coaching Camp ahead of their Spain Tour, the Indian Men's Team is on a two-week break following their Pro League campaign in Europe. The next couple of months leading up to the Asian Games in China is crucial for the two teams as they will be vying to win direct qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games by winning the Gold medal in their respective categories.

"Every session we clock in the camp, be it gym, yoga, hockey skill training, recovery is crucial in our preparations for the Asian Games and we realize we need to give our 100 per cent in whatever we do. We are fortunate to have a professional set up at SAI, Bengaluru that provides us with a great environment to train," acknowledged Kaur.