Football
'Players need to be more open about their mental state': Sandesh Jhingan
Jhingan understands the immense pressure athletes face both on and off the field. His advice is simple but profound: Talk about it.
Sandesh Jhingan, the stalwart of the Indian National Football Team and FC Goa, delivered an essential message to his fellow footballers, encouraging them to openly discuss their mental health struggles.
As a seasoned player with experience in prestigious tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and the Indian Super League (ISL), Jhingan is well aware of the immense pressures athletes face both on and off the field. His advice is simple yet powerful: "Talk about it."
Jhingan highlighted that communication can be one of the most effective ways to cope with mental health challenges.
"Talking is one of the main solutions," he told ISL, acknowledging the various stresses players endure.
These range from the intense travel schedules and high-performance expectations on the field to personal matters such as family health.
At 31, Jhingan is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup and emphasized how vital a strong support system is during difficult times.
He revealed that opening up to his family and partner about his feelings throughout his recovery has been a cornerstone of his mental well-being.
Drawing from his interactions with fellow players, Jhingan stressed the importance of athletes being open about their emotional state.
“Players need to be less shy and more open about their mental state. I have seen players who keep a lot of their thoughts to themselves. What I do, especially since I’m just back from rehab, is be very vocal about my feelings with my family and partner. You just need to let it go. There’s no shame in opening up about your weaknesses. Just speak about it,” Jhingan advised.
His advocacy serves as a reminder to both players and fans that mental health is as crucial as physical fitness in sports.
FC Goa, currently sitting fifth in the table with five points after four matches (one win and two draws), will return to action on October 19 when they host Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda Stadium in a 5:00 pm kickoff.