Abhinav Bindra dives deep into mental health and performance

Abhinav Bindra opens up about mental health struggles and importance of support in athletes' journey to success.

The country’s first individual Olympic champion, Abhinav Bindra, gave a rare insight into the world of mental health and mental performance in a lively interaction with the founder and chairperson of Mpower, Mrs. Neerja Birla, on Friday.

In a virtual interaction, Abhinav touched upon his vulnerability and the void he had felt after winning the Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.

“I was obsessed with the Olympic gold for 15 years. Once the dream was achieved, I felt drained and a void,” said Abhinav.

Pointing out that he had a psychologically safe environment with his parents, sister etc., Abhinav said that he sought professional help to tide over the crisis.

“I had to share my vulnerability. I had to speak frankly and honestly, to empower other athletes,” he said, as he dispelled the general feeling that ‘’athletes were immune to mental ill-health”.

“As athletes, we are dealing with success and failures every day. There are injuries, that take a physical and mental toll on us. When we stop enjoying the journey, there is a red flag,” said Abhinav.

“People found my behaviour strange. I was supposed to be on top of the world, with that Olympic gold,” said Abhinav, as he highlighted the importance of having a “security net of people who understand you and not judge you”.