Relationship of Specific Psychological Skills...

Relationship of Specific Psychological Skills and Its Sub-Factors to Ranking Points of Senior National Men Badminton Players

Author Name : Dr Priyanka Yadav

INTRODUCTION

Sports are as old as the human society, and it has achieved a universal following in the modern times. It now enjoys a popularity, which outstrips any other form of social activity. It has become an integral part of the educational process. Millions of fans follow different sports events all over the world with an enthusiasm bordering on devotion. Many participate in sports activity for the fun or for health, strength, or fitness. It is taking the shape of a profession to some with high skills, with ample financial benefits linked with high degree of popularity (Sergio Garcia Ramirez ,1976).

Nowhere is an individual more closely scrutinized by so many people than in the world of sports. The results of an athlete’s efforts are immediately available to be judged against the clearest criteria by sometimes as many as thousands of people, with millions more watching on television and listening to the radio. As if that were not enough pressure, an athlete’s performance may be replayed, described, analysed, questioned and criticised by the media, and may even be the source of political propaganda. Furthermore, athletes invest years of labour and countless dollars in preparation. And the outcome of a contest, individual performances, and collective statistics often make the difference in job security, prestige, and recognition, thousands and sometimes millions of dollars in prize money and salaries, opportunities for lucrative endorsement contracts, and countless other rewards and privileges (Keith F. Bell,1983).