From India to the Premier League: Sport Psychology, Belonging & Barriers in Global Sport
Gayatri Bhushan is the co-founder of Mind Matter Performance
Gayatri Bhushan is a leading Sport and Exercise Psychologist (HCPC Registered) dedicated to helping athletes unlock their full potential—mentally, emotionally, and physically. With a Master’s from the world-renowned Loughborough University and hands-on experience with elite organisations like Chelsea FC Foundation and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Gayatri blends elite-level insight with a personal, values-driven approach.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Mind Matter Performance, she is on a mission to transform how athletes develop—combining science-backed strategies with a human-first philosophy. From performance optimisation and youth athlete mentoring to embedding mental health into the heart of sport, her work empowers individuals to thrive under pressure and lead fulfilling lives beyond the game.
Passionate about creating lasting social impact, Gayatri also drives initiatives through her family’s sports NGO, supporting underserved youth across India through access to sport and mentorship.
Join us for an inspiring episode as we welcome Gayatri Bhushan, HCPC-registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, who shares her deeply personal journey into the world of sports psychology. Born in India and now based in New Delhi, Gayatri reflects on her early years as a national-level 400-metre athlete and the pivotal challenges she faced, from performance pressures to the lack of mental health support. Her story of searching for guidance—often in vain—sparked a passion for ensuring no athlete is left without support, especially young girls navigating the complex intersection of sport and well-being.
Having studied at Loughborough University and worked with Premier League clubs in London, Gayatri discusses the profound impact of being immersed in diverse sporting environments. She highlights the crucial role of equality, diversity, and inclusion in building mental toughness, emphasising that access to psychological support should not be a privilege but a right for all athletes. Tune in to gain insight into the challenges, learnings, and the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and resilient sporting world.
Key Learning Points:
- The implementation of regulations and standards to protect the title of Sport Psychologist in India is important.
- Advocate for more inclusive and diverse staffing policies in sports organisations to improve relatability and representation.
- Encourage athletes to be comfortable in their own skin and not suppress their emotions and cultural identity.
Connect with Gayatri Bhushan
Mind Matter Performance Website
Connect with David Charlton
The Mental Edge with David Charlton
Podcast Episodes To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience For All Athletes and Participants
Ep290: Gordon MacLelland – Stop Focusing On Results: Developing Life Skills Through Sport
Ep287: Duncan O’Brien – Is A Blame Culture In Team Sports Helpful For Performance?
Ep286: Nathan Sherratt – How To Understand Neurodiversity Better In Football Refereeing
Ep285: Adam Batstone – Football Coaches: How To Help Neurodiverse Players Thrive
Ep065: Dr Amy Izycky – Encouraging Mentally Healthy Cultures in Sport
Other Valuable Resources To Encourage A Positive Sporting Experience
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David Charlton
Online Cricket Psychologist and Mental Skills Cricket Performance Coach who supports Bowlers and Batsmen around the world from the USA to the UK, the USA to New Zealand, using ONLINE Video Conferencing.
Managing Director – Inspiring Sporting Excellence, Host of Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast and Founder of The Sports Psychology Hub. With over a decades’ experience supporting athletes, coaches, parents and teams to achieve their goals, faster.
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Gayatri Bhushan is the co-founder of Mind Matter Performance
Gayatri Bhushan is a leading Sport and Exercise Psychologist (HCPC Registered) dedicated to helping athletes unlock their full potential—mentally, emotionally, and physically. With a Master’s from the world-renowned Loughborough University and hands-on experience with elite organisations like Chelsea FC Foundation and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Gayatri blends elite-level insight with a personal, values-driven approach.
As the Co-Founder and CEO of Mind Matter Performance, she is on a mission to transform how athletes develop—combining science-backed strategies with a human-first philosophy. From performance optimisation and youth athlete mentoring to embedding mental health into the heart of sport, her work empowers individuals to thrive under pressure and lead fulfilling lives beyond the game.
Passionate about creating lasting social impact, Gayatri also drives initiatives through her family’s sports NGO, supporting underserved youth across India through access to sport and mentorship.