Renee: Can you share your journey into the field of sport psychology and what motivated you to specialize in this area?

Varadayini: My journey into sport psychology was quite organic, actually. As a college athlete myself – I played tennis and basketball – and growing up in a family deeply passionate about sports, especially cricket and tennis (my grandfather and father played cricket, and daily cricket scores were a staple conversation!).

I applied to programs in the UK and successfully completed my MSc in Psychology of Sport and Exercise from Loughborough University in 2012. My decision to return to India was driven by the fact that there were relatively few professionals in this field, and I saw a significant need to establish good practices within the country. I currently run my own private practice called MindFirst, where I work with athletes and coaches. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach sport psychology courses for sport science programs in India.

Two years ago, along with a few like-minded friends and colleagues, we founded the INSPA (Indian Sport Psychologists’ Association). Our primary intention behind establishing this association is to promote ethical practices and emphasize the importance of proper qualifications for individuals wanting to become sport psychologists in India.

Renee: What are some of the most important cultural considerations you keep in mind when supporting athletes in your practice?

Varadayini: Over the past decade of working in this field, both in private practice and with teams, I’ve gathered significant insights. One of the most crucial cultural considerations I’ve encountered in India is the diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds of athletes who train in high-performance environments.

For instance, I recently worked with a group of football players who belonged to a tribal belt in Maharashtra, my home state. Their diet, unique way of speaking our common language, and cultural norms were quite distinct from my own background. This realization highlighted the need for me to consciously minimize any power dynamics that could arise due to these differences. I made a deliberate effort to understand their nuances in communication when using our shared language and to genuinely listen to their stories about their passion for the sport.

Renee: Have you noticed any shifts in how athletes or coaches are approaching mental performance support in recent years?

Varadayini: Yes, I have definitely observed shifts in how athletes and coaches are approaching mental performance support in recent years. In some sports, like tennis and cricket, there were already coaches who were quite aware of the mental aspects of performance. However, there was often a hesitancy or skepticism about sending athletes to a sport psychologist or hiring one permanently. Even today, many top-level league teams in these sports, having a full-time sport psychologist is not always the norm.

Renee: What barriers do you commonly see when athletes are first introduced to sport psychology, and how do you help them engage with the process?

Varadayini: There are several common barriers I encounter when athletes are first introduced to sport psychology. One prevalent perception among athletes and their parents is the expectation of immediate results — they often believe that a single session, or a session right before a tournament, will be a quick fix. These misconceptions and myths are still quite widespread.

Renee: What has helped you grow most as a practitioner, specific experiences, training, or relationships, and how has that shaped your current approach?

Varadayini: To deepen my understanding of psychology within the Indian context, I make a conscious effort to read relevant literature and attend conferences that focus on Indian psychology to connect with professionals in the country. The impetus for this has been further strengthened by my involvement in establishing our sport psychology association, INSPA.