Enhancing Athletic Performance and Academic Success: The Role of Yoga in Bhopal\'s Volleyball Players

Abstract

Abstract: This study explores the impact of a structured yoga program on athletic performance and academic success among volleyball players in Bhopal. A total of 120 players, aged 16-20, were recruited and randomly assigned to either a yoga group, which participated in daily morning yoga sessions, or a control group, which did not engage in any additional activity. The intervention lasted for three months, focusing on asanas, pranayama, and meditation tailored to enhance concentration, flexibility, and overall physical fitness. Athletic performance was assessed using standard volleyball skill tests, including serving accuracy, jump height, and agility drills, both pre and post-intervention. Academic success was measured through GPA scores obtained from school records at the same intervals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to compare changes within and between groups. Results showed significant improvements in the yoga group compared to the control group in both athletic (p < 0.05) and academic (p < 0.05) performance post-intervention. Specifically, the yoga group exhibited a 15% improvement in serving accuracy, a 10% increase in jump height, and a 12% better performance in agility drills. Academic scores also improved by an average of 0.5 points on the GPA scale. ANOVA results confirmed that the enhancements in performance and academic scores were statistically significant, underscoring the efficacy of integrating yoga into the training regimen of athletes. This study suggests that incorporating yoga can effectively support the dual aspirations of athletic and academic excellence, offering a holistic approach to the development of young athletes in Bhopal.