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Indian discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya has expressed the need to enhance his mental fortitude after securing a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics, marking his fifth consecutive second-place finish since the Tokyo Games.Kathuniya, 27, achieved a season-best throw of 42.22m in the discus throw F-56 event, but acknowledged that his mental strength has been lacking. "I have lacked in mental strength. I will have to build up more, just as it was before, in 2022. Since I got injured, due to cervical, it has come down," he said.The athlete, who competes from a seated position, has faced challenges including chickenpox and cervical radiculopathy. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined to improve. "It's okay. I am still young. I can easily play two more Paralympics. I will do better. I will change my style this time. I have a World Championship next year. I will perform well next year," he said.Kathuniya's silver medal in Paris follows similar results at the 2023 and 2024 World Championships, as well as the Asian Para Games last year. He believes that participating in more competitions leading up to the Paris Games would have been beneficial. "I think I made a mistake. I should have played a little more competition. I should have played more events. I was not ready. I played only two events this year. I should not have done that."Despite his recent string of silver medals, Kathuniya's hunger for success remains strong. "To be honest, my hunger will never end. Even if I hit 50m, my hunger will not end. I want to show the world that it was Yogesh Kathuniya who crossed 50m in a seated throw, the first person in the world."Kathuniya is now planning a two-month break, including a solo trip to Switzerland, to focus on his mental well-being. "I think my mind should be relaxed. And I will have to go away from sports once. So that I can focus more on mental strength."

The Indian women's hockey team recently underwent a transformative training camp at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Kannur, Kerala, aimed at enhancing their mental strength, discipline, and overall performance. The camp, held from July 15 to 21, was designed to instill key values such as team building, risk-taking, self-defense, survival techniques, and leadership skills.The camp's rigorous training regimen included unarmed combat drills, endurance runs, and boat pulling exercises. These activities were designed to push the players beyond their limits, foster unity, and develop their resilience. The team also participated in a naval drill, which emphasized discipline, coordination, and operational readiness.Chief coach Harendra Singh praised the INA's dedication to mental strengthening and team bonding, which he believes has transformed the young athletes into more competitive and resilient individuals. "The skills and discipline they have acquired here are invaluable," he said. "This experience has undoubtedly prepared our team to face any challenge on and off the field with renewed confidence and determination."The camp's structured routines and demanding drills enhanced the players' focus and commitment. A friendly match between the academy's hockey team and the Indian side provided an opportunity for the players to test their skills and interact with INA cadets.Deputy Commandant Indian Naval Academy Rear Admiral Prakash Gopalan emphasized the holistic development experience provided by the camp. "This training camp was designed to provide them with a holistic development experience, focusing on mental toughness, discipline, and leadership," he said. "We are confident that the skills and values they have acquired here will serve them well in their future endeavors, both in sports and in life."The camp's activities were carefully planned and executed, with a detailed day-wise activity program provided to the team. A specially designed uniform was issued to all players and coaches upon arrival at INA.

Elavenil Valarivan's resurgence in shooting has reached new heights, as she emerged victorious in the Olympic selection trials with a remarkable score of 254.3. This triumph marks a significant milestone in her journey towards the Paris Olympics, where she aims to make her second Games appearance.Beyond the medals and accolades, Elavenil's true triumph lies in rediscovering her joy in shooting. After enduring the lows of the Tokyo Olympics, she has found renewed passion and a thirst for learning. "I'm just enjoying the sport right now," she says. "There are no longer days where I'm not happy shooting."This newfound joy has fueled her determination to improve and push her limits. She has embraced the challenges of the trials, overcoming a poor first qualification round and fending off competition from younger challengers. "I'm glad things are turning around and getting back to the way I want it to be," she says.Elavenil's journey has not been without its setbacks. The disappointment of missing out on the Asian Games team last year could have easily derailed her progress. However, she used it as motivation, winning the Rio World Cup gold and the National Championship in quick succession.Through it all, Elavenil has learned the importance of mental strength. "Tokyo has taught me to be mentally strong," she says. "That is playing a big part in my consistency and performance." She has also developed a strong support system, including a psychologist who has helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster of elite sport.As she prepares for Paris, Elavenil is confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned along the way. "There are going to be ups and downs," she says. "It is about how you accept the downs and push through it." With her newfound joy and determination, Elavenil Valarivan is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage once again.