Vol. 1 No. 1, February 2022

Religiosity and Spirituality in Sports: Implication For Athletes’ Performance

Joel, K.I

Abstract

In the present world of sports, religiosity and spirituality have become dominant parts of an athlete’s performance.
Religiosity and spirituality are related but distinct; spirituality is identified as the interconnectedness with a transcendent
being while religiosity is the interpersonal and institutional engagement with a formal religious group, doctrines and
traditions. These relationships are not only practiced for health and quality of life purposes but also becoming a practice
in sports. Moreover, most athletes on the field of play showcase some forms of religious belief and behavior before, during
and after a sporting contest. This paper explores religiosity and spirituality in sports and seeks to find their effects on
an athlete’s performance. The concepts of religiosity/ spirituality in sports were critically reviewed. The paper also
discussed the concept of an athlete’s performance. Likewise, the concept of sports was discussed. It concludes among
other considerations that athletes who are very religious/ spiritual while engaging in sports, seek secular goals such
performance enhancement, coping optimally with stress and anxiety, maintaining safety, and playing at one’s best ability,
being in good health physically and mentally as well as resounding successes, great laurels and victories. It is suggested
among others that players, coaches, managers and sport psychologists should appropriately distinguish between upholding
religious and spiritual conviction in sports and adequately preparing for sports contest towards achieving set goals during
such sporting contests.

Keywords

sports, religiosity, spirituality, athletes’ performance, prayers

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