Demystifying Mental Toughness15 Aug 2025

291 From India to the Premier League: Sport Psychology, Belonging & Barriers in Global Sport

Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome Gayatri Bhushan, HCPC-registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, who shares her deeply personal journey into the world of sports psychology. Born in India and now based in New Delhi, Gayatri reflects on her early years as a national-level 400-metre athlete and the pivotal challenges she faced, from performance pressures to the lack of mental health support. Her story of searching for guidance—often in vain—sparked a passion for ensuring no athlete is left without support, especially young girls navigating the complex intersection of sport and well-being.

Having studied at Loughborough University and worked with Premier League clubs in London, Gayatri discusses the profound impact of being immersed in diverse sporting environments. She highlights the crucial role of equality, diversity, and inclusion in building mental toughness, emphasising that access to psychological support should not be a privilege but a right for all athletes. Tune in to gain insight into the challenges, learnings, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and resilient sporting world.

Key Learning Points:

· The implementation of regulations and standards to protect the title of Sport Psychologist in India is important.

· Advocate for more inclusive and diverse staffing policies in sports organisations to improve relatability and representation.

· Encourage athletes to be comfortable in their own skin and not suppress their emotions and cultural identity.

Connect with Gayatri Bhushan

Mind Matter Performance Website

Connect with David Charlton

The Mental Edge with David Charlton

Instagram

Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants

Ep290: Gordon MacLelland - Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport

Ep287: Duncan O'Brien - Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance?

Ep286: Nathan Sherratt - How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing

Ep285: Adam Batstone - Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive

Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport

Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience

Podcasts for Sport Coach Development

Cricket Psychology Resources

Hockey Psychology Resources

Rugby Psychology Resources

Soccer Psychology Resources

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