Relationship between Competitive Anxiety and Confidence among Athletes

Abstract

Competition in athletes is important to motivate them for better performance which in turn is focused on gaining superiority over an opponent. Competition is good among athletes because it has an impact on self -discipline, and attitude toward other fellow athletes. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes. It is a subjective feeling of apprehension and heightened physiological arousal. Confidence is the ability of an individual to deal and face the situation. It helps an individual to develop self and abilities. The research aimed to study the relationship between competitive anxiety and confidence in athletes. Standardized tools were used to measure anxiety and confidence among athletes. A total sample of 30 in the age group of 18 - 25 years was collected. The results found out that there is a negative correlation between competitive anxiety and confidence. It is suggested for athletes to practice positive self-talk, deep breathing exercise to get themselves back from negative thoughts and channelize all the energy in an effective way.