FROM COMMUNITY TO COMPETITION - A SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL JOURNEY

The socio-psychology of sports among Siddhi Tibetan and ethnic adolescents from Karnataka reflects unique cultural socio-psychological and environmental influences crucial for talent identification. Siddhi youth with African ancestry and rooted in Uttara Kannada often show natural athleticism and competitive instinct but face low self-confidence less motives due to social marginalization. Tibetan adolescents in settlements like Mundgod benefit from structured routines community cohesion and strong mental focus supporting sports involvement. Ethnic communities from Dharwad and Belagavi with deep-rooted local traditions exhibit high physical activity team values and courage especially in athletic and combat sports. However socio-economic challenges academic pressure and limited access to professional training often hinder their sports participation. For effective talent identification psychological traits like motivation resilience and cultural attitudes must be assessed alongside physical ability. Integrating culturally aware coaching community engagement and mental conditioning programs can help unlock hidden talent on sporting platforms.