The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has announced a significant achievement as Team Fiji’s Performance Psychologist, Krishneel Maharaj, has completed the International Olympic Committee’s Diploma in Mental Health in Elite Sport. This rigorous one-year program, funded by an Olympic Solidarity scholarship, aims to equip professionals with evidence-based strategies focused on the mental wellbeing of athletes throughout their careers.
Maharaj has been actively involved with FASANOC for several years, volunteering as Team Fiji’s psychologist during major international events like the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He holds a Master’s in Sports Coaching from The University of Queensland and is a registered psychologist based in Brisbane.
Describing the impact of this diploma, Maharaj said, “The Diploma was a game-changer. It deepened my understanding of the mental health challenges elite athletes face and provided practical tools I can apply immediately.” His training included insights from experts worldwide, reinforcing the importance of mental health as it relates to high performance in sports.
FASANOC expresses its eagerness for Maharaj to share his newfound knowledge through webinars and workshops, focusing on early intervention and the creation of mentally healthy environments for athletes. This commitment dovetails with ongoing efforts to integrate mental skills awareness across Team Fiji, particularly as more athletes from Fiji and the Pacific Islands prepare for the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
Maharaj’s background as a former athlete gives him a personal understanding of the mental difficulties competitors face. He highlighted that elite athletes experience mental health struggles at rates similar to or even higher than the general population, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health in sports. Reflecting on his educational experience, he remarked, “This Diploma isn’t just a qualification. It’s a toolkit for change and has helped me grow as a practitioner.”
FASANOC also extends its gratitude to Olympic Solidarity and the IOC for supporting this professional development initiative. Maharaj’s commitment to enhancing the mental wellbeing and performance of Fiji’s athletes is expected to positively influence Team Fiji’s dynamics as they gather for future competitions.
This milestone marks not only a personal victory for Maharaj but also signifies a broader commitment within Fiji’s sports community to prioritize mental health and wellbeing. The optimism surrounding these developments reflects a hope-filled trajectory for Fijian athletes aiming for excellence both in performance and mental resilience on the international stage.