Role of Yoga in Sports And Allied disciplines

(A critical appraisal on the basis of Post Graduate Dissertations)

Prin. Dr. Arun N. Khodaskar
Gen. Secretary
Bruhan Maharashtra Yoga Parishad
C/o H.V.P. Mandal, Amravati
Maharashtra, (India)

Abstract
Unemployment is the root cause of educational stress. After obtaining
higher education there is no guarantee of getting desirable service or job.
Students, Parents and School- College authorities are involved in educational
stress.
Heavy curriculum and tremendous competition in getting admission in
the reputed schools and colleges are also one of the cause of stress for
students. Generally students suffer from stress from eight nine-stander
onwards much. Because they have to face the board exams, so they feel
heavy tension and also the parents expect a lot from them.
Stress is a psycho-physiological response of the body to internal or
external stimuli. There can be both positive and negative effect of stress.
Positive stress or eustress is useful to increase working capacity or
performance and distress or negative stress effect might be result in
deperation.
Medical science has recognized stress as one of the biggest and silent
killer, Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Problems, Asthama, Ulcer, Insomnia,
Menstrual problems, Migraine, Headache etc. are the stress-induced
diseases. Yoga helps to reduce the stress of the students and build-up their
psycho-physical resistance and usefull to develop emotional and pranic
balanace.
Introduction:
Today we have entered in 21st Century. At the end of 20th Century there is a land
marked development in the science and Technology including space, defence, Atomic
energy, Computer, Inter-net service etc. By the Inter-net invention, We can collect
required information within a fraction of second from any part of the universe. Moreover
we can do marketing by sitting in our house. Due to this advanced scientific
technological invention the body movements of the human being have been restricted.
Tension and competitive feeling increased. Man has been felt the prey of Stress,
Hypokinetic and Psychosomatic diseases. In the 21st century the panaroma of science of
development will be unimaginable. It is feared that due to this tremendous technological
advancement man will lost his physical existence. According the Darwin’s is
evolutionary theory of those parts of body are not working, they may be lost. So time has
come that man should not ignore the importance of Physical Education, Sports, Yoga
etc. while entering in to 21st Century.

Physical Education and Yoga:

Although the Physical Education and Yoga are two different disciplines but they
are inter-related to some extend. They are complementary and supplementary to each
others. Their common major objectives are (1) Health and Physical fitness and (2)
Emotional stability. No doubt some Yogic practices have been included in the present
Physical Education curriculum of the school. But it is found that these practices are not
fully exploited and utilized. Actually the efforts of the inclusion of yogic practical in
physical education were made in 1927 by K. m. Munshi committee which was appointed
by Maharashtra Government.

Significance of Yogic Practice:

Today Yoga has become popular all over the world. Yoga is an ancient discipline
and recognized as one of the most important and valuable heritage of Indian culture.
Previously Yoga was considered as spiritual discipline but today due to its
multidimensional utility in various angles of life it is being practiced for the purpose
other than spiritual. Recent scientific research trends have shown that it can be served as
an applied science in a number of fields such as health and family welfare, therapy,
education. physical education and sports, criminal and clinical psychology and even in
defence etc.

Present Status of Games & Sport on Inter-National Screen:

As far as concerned about the present status of Games & Sports of India it is
found that we are very much behind in inter-national competitions Even smaller countries
like Japan, South Korea have made many land marks of achievement in inter national
contest. Therefore, it is the time to think seriously that how this regretted situation could
be overcome. Some research personnel in the field of Yoga and Physical Education are of
the view and opinion that yogic practices could much more useful to develop and
maintain the sports performance and make the psychological preparation of the sportman.
They have suggested following various areas of Physical Education and Sports, where the
Yogic Practices could be utilized.

1. Yoga for the promotion of Sports

a. To Develop the basic fitness :
Gharote (1974, 1976) Dhanraj(1974) Giri (1966) Moses (1972) Moorthy
(1976) Khodaskar(1991) and other Educationists and Yoga Researchers have
proved with their experiments that Yogic training could improve different
basic factor i.e. flexibility, endurance, agility, balancing efficiency
coordinator concentration etc.
b. Development of Specific Sports Skills:
Development of Sports skills depend on various factors. Out of these neuro
muscular co-ordination is one of the main factor. Yogic practices are greatly
useful to develop the neuro-muscular co-ordination balance efficiency,
accuracy etc. As well as stretching also improves the performance of
sportsman. The purpose of steady stretching could be solved by Asans.
c. To Develop Psychological Factors:
 Emotional factor is playing very prominent role in the performance of sports,
If emotions are controlled properly, these could be contributed to improve the
performance also. Emotions are governed by autonomic nervous system.
Control over the autonomic nervous system bring the emotional disturbances
down. Yogic practices like Asanas, Pranayama, Tratka, Dhyana are excellent
in conditioning the automatic nervous system.

2. Yoga for prevention & cure Sports Injuries :

Muscle stretching procedure prevents the athletic injuries.
Pachimotanasan Halasan, Padhastasan, Ugrasan etc. are good stretchers. These
asanas not only prevent sports injuries but also cure some injuries like sprain,
strain etc.

3. Maintenance of Physical Fitness during participation period and in

off-season
Yogic practices are useful to lowering the anxiety level. Tension stress
and keeping the athlete in his/her normal state during competition period. As
the off season state in tension free state for athlete. Some times he feels
nausea about the exercise. In this state there is a possibility for lowering the
fitness. Therefore in this period Yogic practices may help in maintaining
fitness and promote rest and relaxation.

Research Work in H.V.P.M.

Some kind of research work has been done in abroad and in India regarding the
Promotion of fitness and performances through the Yoga. The Post-graduate department
of the Degree College of Physical Education of our H.V.P.Mandal, Amravati has been
undertaking some research work on the primary levels related to this subject since the last
20 years. The students of this Department During the Completion of their Master Degree
are giving certain subjects and topics on which they have to submit their Dissertation.
From this subject matter I have made a survey of few dissertations, which I am going to
put before you.

List of Dissertations
1. Vidhale Girish G. “ Effect of pranayam on the canting ability of the Kabaddi
players” Unpublished dissertation, M.P.Ed., Nagpur University, Nagpur.1981
2. Snajeevan V. “ The effect of certain selected yogic Asanas upon the motor
Ability”, Unpublished dissertation, M.P.Ed, Nagpur University, Nagpur, 1982
3. Hasija Krishna, “ The study of the Effects of some selected Asanas on the Kho-
Kho players” Unpublished dissertatin, M.P.Ed., Amravati University, 1982.
4. Mahato Ashok Kumar “ A study of some selected Yogic Practices as read up to
free throw shooting in Basket Ball” 1983.
5. Bayaskar Gunvant L. “A comparative study of some --- ratory parameters of
Swimmer ; A long Distance Runners and Yogic Practioners.
6. Jmd§S>o S>ãby ~r. `m¡JrH$ ì`m`m_ VWm Am`gmo_oQ>rH$
ì`m`m_ àH$mamoH$m Am{Xdmgr N>mÌmo Ho$ emar[aH$
 V§XwéñVr na hmoZodmbo n[aUm_m|H$m VwbZmË_H$ AÜ``Z,
1990
7. Bora Pradip Kumar : ‘’Survey of postural fitness of he high school students and
effect of selected yogasans in correction of postural deformities” Unpublished
Dissertation, M.P.Ed, Nagpur University, Nagpur 1984.
8. Kandalkar Rajiv: “The study of effects of some selected Yogic Practices on
Guilt proneness and Neurotic Tendencies of junevile Delinquents. Unpublished
M.P.Ed., Dissertation Amravati University, 1985
9. Miss Nirmal Rajani: “ Effect of selected Yogic Practices on menstrual
Discomforts” Unpublished M.P.Ed. Dissertations, Amravati University 1992

Discussion
According to Vidhale (1) Pranayam is very effective to develop the Vital
Capacity and cant Ability of the Kabaddi players. Therefore the coaches can adopt the
pranayama in the training programme to increase the canting ability of their Kabadi
players.

Sanjeevan (2) has found that the motor ability has been developed through Yogic
Asanas with high level of significance. As well as Yogic Asanas have improved its
strength with low significance. Power has been developed through practical of Yogic
asanas. There was no evidence to support the development of Balance through Yogic
asanas.

Hasija (3) has found that the Endurance of the Kho-Kho Players can be
developed through Yogic Asans properly selected. For the development of agility the
Yogic practices are also very much effective.

Mahoto (4) has found that there is much improvement in shooting ability in
Basket Ball, It may be due to better concentration in the act of shooting. He has
recommended further that yogic practices could be more useful in developing ability in
Hocky, Football also.
 Bayaskar (5) has put following conclusion regarding his research study. The
respiratory efficiency increases significantly with the training of the three groups
respectively Swimming. Long Distance Running and Yogic Exercises.

That the respiratory efficiency of the three groups shows equal and matching
Increase in respect of the three respiratory parameters namely :
a) Inhaled air pressure b) Exhaled air pressure c) Force of exhalation.

The lungs capacity also showed significantly increases due to training of the three
Groups. The training in Swimming is observed more effective than training in Yogic
Exercises (Asanas) in increasing lung capacity.

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{ZH$mbo h¡
`m¡JrH$ ì`m`m_ à^md g^r {ZYm©arV H$gmoQ>r`m Hw$bAßg,
{gQ>Aßg, ñQ>±S>rJ ~«mS> O§n, PrH$ PmH$ BZ na gmW©H$ ahm &
Am`gmo_oQ´>rH$ ì`m`m_ H$m à^md {ZYm©arV H$gmoQ>r Ho$
{gQ>Aßg H$mo N>moS>H$a g^r_o gmW©H$ ahmŸ& {Z`§ÌrV
g_yhHo$ {H$gr ^r n[ajU _o gmW©H$ A§Va Zhr {XImŸ&
AmWrbrQ>rH$ Ho$ Can `m¡JrH$ ì`m`m_ H$m àH$ma
Am`gmo_oQ>rH$go A{YH$ ahmŸ&

Bora (7) has found that the Yogic Exercises has caused significant improvement in the
Correction of Kyphosis and lordiosis. It has been observed that the improvement in the
correction of knock – knee and flat – Foot was insignificant. Highly significant
improvement was observed in Kyphosis indicating the positive effect of yogasanas in the
improvement of postural Fitness.

Kandalkar (8) has found that the problem of delinquents related with guilt proneness
and Neurotic tendencies could be minimize by Yoga.

Miss. Nirmal (9) has proved that yoga can be an useful drugless therapy in the
management of men strual discomforts.

Conclusions : -
In view of this present survey study shows that Yogic practices (Asanas,
Pranayamas, Shakarmas, Dhyanas. Etc.) Could be useful to develop the endurance
Flexibility, Strength, Stamina Concentration Power. Ability etc. and also contributed in
the reduction of the crime and Minimize the gynecological problems.

Recommendation :
According to about survey study, I would like suggest to the coaches of various
Games and Sports that they should include Yogic Practices like Asana. Pranayama
Cleaning process, Dnyana etc. in their Training Programme. Secondly the Yogic
Practices should be included in the daily programme of the remand homes; in prisonrs,
schools and colleges curriculum also.

REFERENCES :
1. Deshpande S.H. – “Contribution of Yoga; Identification of the ---- and Physical
Education” Unpublished article.
2. Gharote M.L. : “ Trends and Development in Yoga” paper presentation clinic in
Yoga, Patanjali Institute of Yoga, Proddator (A.P.) 1990
3. Khodaskar A.N. “ Comparative study & of the effects of Yogic and in Yogic
exercises on the Cardio-respiratory endurance of male kabaddi players” Paper
presented in the International Yoga Conferences Lonavala 1988
4. Moorthy A.M. “Health and Fitness through Yoga” Paper presented in clinic on
Yoga Patanjali Institute of Yoga, Proddatur (A.P. 1990
Educational Stress and its Management Through Yoga
Dr. Arun N. Khodaskar
Ex-Principal, D.C.P.E.
H.V.P.M., Amravati (M.S.)

Abstract
Heavy curriculum, tremendous competition in getting admission in the reputed
schools and colleges and unemployment are also causes of stress for students.
Generally students suffer from stress from eight nine-stander onwards much. Because
they have to face the board exams, So they feel heavy tension and also the parents
expect a lot from them.

Stress is a psycho-physiological response of the body to internal or external

stimuli. There can be both positive and negative effect of stress. Positive stress or
eustress is useful to increase working capacity or performance and distress or
negative stress effects might be result in deperation.

Medical science has recognized stress as one of the biggest and silent killer.
Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart problems, Asthama, Ulcer, Insomnia, Menstrual
problems, Migraine, Headache etc, are the stress-induced diseases. Yoga helps to
reduce the stress of the students and build-up their psycho-physical resistance and
useful to develop emotional and pranic balance. Therefore Yogic Practices should be
made mandatory at least from the standard of eight onward.

Students Under Stress

Heavy curriculum, tremendous competition in getting admission in the reputed school-
colleges and unemployment are main causes of stress for students.
Generally students suffer from stress from eight nine stander onwards much. Because
they have to face the board exams, so they feel heavy tension. Also the parents expect a
lot from them.
After obtaining higher education in not sure to get desirable job this may also one
of the reason of stress. And this stress is generally seen or felt on the students till they get
a good and desirable job. Students, Parents, Schools, Colleges, Authorities are suffer
more or less by educational stress.
Parents Under Stress
Child birth is one of the happier moment or event in every parent’s life. But as the
child grows, their tension and worries also increase regarding the child’s education.
educational institutions and teachers. So some time they may also fall under stress or we
can say it is one of the reason of their stress.

Concepts of stress
- Stress a psycho-physiological response of the body to internal or external stimuli.
- Stress is a biological need, part of daily life.
- Stress is a by product of pressures, changes demands and challenges that we face
each day.
- There can be both positive and negative effect of stress. A positive effect might be
result if an athlete is “psyched up” for a game and thus performs better. A
negative effect might be result in depression.
- Selye and Levi ( The author of book-The stress of life) say that each person is
experiences some degree of stress during each movement of existence. Stress can
be good or bad.
- One man’s Stress may be another man’s pleasure.

Signs of stress full condition or Stress reaction

Medical science of today has recognized stress as one of the biggest and silent
killers, 80% of the diseases are psychosomatic caused by the mind.
1) Stress hormones destroy our total health and damaging our immune system.
2) Killing the W.B.C.
3) Suffering by blood pressure, heart disease, heart palpitation.
4) Fast breathing more sweating salive increase.
5) Arise digestion problems
6) Heart-rate increases
7) Many muscles tense and tighten
8) Increase the blood sugar
9) Bowel and bladder muscles loosen
10) Develops the postural deformities like kyposis, round soulders etc.

Types of Stress
There are two types of stress
One Eustress and Second Distress
1) Eustress
Healthy and essential stress or positive stress, produced positive impulses,
happiness, joyfulness, etc. it helps to make life enjoyable even interesting, useful
for growth and development, for change to increase the performance.
2) Distress
Makes anxious and irritable, some type of pressure either external or self
imposed, responsible for physiological and psychological changes of an
undesirable nature. A negative stress that result in depression.
Psychologists classify the stress in to 4 basic areas
1) Future stress: is caused by concern over the future i.e. worries.
2) Situational stress: is stress of the moment, it is an immediate treat, challenge or
agitation.
3) Chronic stress: is stress over time, it may stem a tough experience over which
have no control except to endure(bear) or accept, such as the lost of a loved one,
an illness, accident etc.
4) Residual stress: is a stress of the past memories of bad incident or old hurts.

Management through Yoga and Others Holistic Approach

1. Yogic Hygiene
2. Sports and Recreational activities
3. Balanced Food
4. Positive attitude towards life
5. Good Company
6. Attracting divine grace

Yoga Hygiene
Yoga helps to build up Physical and Psychological resistance emotional harmony
and pranic balance through the eradication of the root cause in the mind. Asanas,
Pranayama, Meditation etc. are helps in the self-healing and reducing mental stress of
students.

Reference
1. Carry L. Cooper- Stress Research Jonn wiley and son- New York
2. Gore M. M. – ‘Yoga and Stress’ Yoga Mimansa Vo-xxix. No. P. 13 to 19 April
1990
3. Nagendra H. R. Nagarathana R, New perspectives in stress management Swami
Vivekanand Yoga Prakashana Banglore.
4. Rajapurkar M.V. ‘Stress Management modern and yogic perspective (Notes)
5. Udupa K.N. ‘Stress and its management by Yoga’ motional Banarasidass
publishers Pvt. Ltd.