Meditation is his invincible inner armour

WINNING IN sports is a question of making up your mind. You resolve to win, chalk out a strategy and translate it into action. In short, develop winner psychology. Sounds simplistic?

It's a fact that a mind made up is mind focussed; determined and unwavering. It is also known that mind is the most difficult horse to harness. It is only when it is in perfect control and command that it directs the body to achieve the desired results. The winning recipe is in fact the mind body coordination: a mind that directs, a body that obeys.

In this process the mind supports the body, enhancing its performance and improving upon its efficiency, unlike the performance enhancing drugs that slowly but surely erode the body functions.

Efficacy of meditation in achieving sports excellence was uppermost in mind when I interviewed Gopi Chand during his visit to Hyderabad. (Where he was given an all time memorable public reception when the governor, the chief minister and all the big- wigs showered praise on the wonder boy who did India proud by winning the All England Badminton title). I had heard the commentator at Birmingham say, ``this young man from India uses meditation''.

Surely, Gopi raising his hands heavenwards, with tight fists, eyes closed, elbows slightly bent and keeping that meditative stance for over six seconds, after the last shot in the finals, was no mere exultation. It was an act of thanksgiving to the cosmos from which one drew power through meditation.

As to preparation for the all-important event, Gopi Chand, like any serious contender had done his homework well besides peaking at the crucial stage.

Did you do any special preparation besides getting yourself in the fittest possible nick?

``Yes, I had tapes on all possible opponents and I had run and rerun all those tapes studying their game, their strengths and weaknesses,'' confirmed Gopi.

And you had drawn action plan to take on each one of them?

``Only tentative ones. Don't forget they must have drawn theirs'' Gopi paused. ``Each step is vital and dictates the next step. A tight plan can in fact, prove one's undoing.''

In a clash of titans where all the sixteen of the world's top ranked players contest, contingencies arise every moment, surprises are galore and fates fluctuate in split seconds. On the physical fitness criteria, all make the grade. What tilts the scale is mental toughness and mental agility. It is here that meditation plays a vital role.

``It's in me to meditate'', said Gopi. And he meditates for hours on certain days: he enjoys it as it gives him peace of mind and relaxation, which is a tonic for a world-beater who operates at a high physical level.

Yes, that is the power of meditation. It is great help when one is faced with confusion or besieged with doubts. It throws out negative thoughts and improves concentration. It boosts self- confidence.

For example, when Gopi faced Ronald Susilo, an Indonesian playing for Singapore he knew he was up against a tricky player who had beaten all Indian players. Gopi was cautious playing his first match and it was the gift of meditation that gave him confidence to play cool. Given a chance to dominate Susilo could be hot stuff to handle.

But surely you faced pressure in the semi-final against Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark, world no. 1. How did you counter that? I asked.

``Yes, Peter had won 35 matches on a trot and was in good nick. And he wouldn't give up even though I had a bid lead. For him too, much was at stake. For me, the most difficult hurdle to cross'', Gopi recalled.

Did you feel the match would slip out of your hands?

``I did. When he bridged the gap and in fact took lead in the second game, it was threatening to go out of control. For a moment I lost my cool. But only for a moment. I had to do something. And as all know those two short services did the trick. He was visibly caught on the wrong foot''.

What about the finals against Ji Xinpeng of China? You appeared to be slow. Was it because the semifinal was energy sapping?

``Not at all. I was totally in command. I played a wait and watch game expending no more energy than required. I knew, even if I lost the first game I could take the other two. I had only to engage him in a few rallies to unsettle his rhythm''.

But you had lost to him two years earlier. Didn't that bother you?

``Not at all. Meditation has taught me to remain cool. I don't get ruffled now. I was really focussed. Momentarily though I felt jittery when I lost points continuously but soon things were under control''.

You looked composed most of the time. Does meditation help to hide your feelings?

``I can control the body language consciously. I don't give away my irritation, most of the time. I also make some gestures to mask my feelings and convey to the opponent that I am not giving up. That also makes him shaky''.

Proof of Gopi's confidence lies in the fact that throughout the championship he didn't concede a game to any player. He followed man to man, one to one strategies in all the five matches and demonstrated his superiority beyond doubt. Gopi has done Art of Living course and follows Sudarshan Kriya of meditation. It gives him inner calm. In addition, he is fond of melodious music, which he finds soothing. So he has invincible armour of explosive shots, jump smashes, delicate dribbles, all executed with a cool mind. And his tremendous physical fitness and speed are matched with immense patience and composed temperament.

Your biggest weapon? I asked. ``God's grace,'' replied Gopi with apparent sincerity.

J. R. JYOTI

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