Mpower Launches AMP

Mpower, the mental healthcare initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), has launched  its new division, Athlete Mind Performance (AMP). 

The company in a press statement on Friday, said vertical is designed to enhance athlete performance through specialised mental conditioning and training, aiming to drive athletes toward championship levels.

The AMP initiative, led by  Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower, ABET, represents a significant advancement in the integration of mental health into sports training. The launch event featured an in-depth conversation between  Birla and  Abhinav Bindra, India’s First Olympic Gold Medalist. They highlighted the critical importance of mental health alongside physical training in achieving sporting excellence.

Prominent sports personalities, including Sania Mirza, Aparna Popat, Pullela Gopichand, and Sourav Ganguly, have expressed strong support for AMP. They advocated for an athletic environment where mental health is given equal importance to physical endurance and training.

AMP’s approach focuses on providing athletes with psychological interventions tailored to performance enhancement, stress management, and mental toughness. According to research, 33.6% of athletes experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, with up to 50% facing depression after sport-related concussions. Female athletes are nearly twice as likely as their male counterparts to suffer from depression. AMP aims to address these sport-specific mental health needs while promoting the overall well-being of athletes.

 Neerja Birla emphasised the crucial role of mental health support in sports, stating, "Athletes face immense pressure both on and off the field. By focusing on mental resilience and preparedness, our aim is to help athletes perform at their best and achieve new heights in their careers."

Abhinav Bindra echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of mental resilience in sports. He stated, "True sporting excellence is built on a foundation of mental resilience. Just as physical training strengthens an athlete's body, fostering mental resilience shapes a champion's mindset."