IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH OF FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS (11 TO 19 YEARS)

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of normal life. The required social and physical distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have brought the sports sector to a complete standstill. The cancellation of competitions, the lockdown of institutions, and the absence of organized training and communication amongst athletes have had a detrimental effect on the mental and physical health of athletes. In this paper, I have studied the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of female basketball players in the age groups of 11 to 19 years, keeping in mind the unique socio-economic situations of this section of athletes. I found trends indicating an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and high levels of psychological distress by surveying 64 athletes from various states of India. These are worrying findings as these athletes are the future of the sport and need to be engaged and supported through these uncertain times. I believe this research will help sports authorities and educational institutions to take the necessary steps and make more informed decisions on engaging athletes during the pandemic and restarting sports activities in the future.