Impact of Pre and Post Competition Anxiety of Kabaddi Players During Inter Faculty Tournament at Banaras Hindu University

Background: Competition anxiety significantly affects athletes' performance, particularly in high-pressure sports such as Kabaddi. This study aimed to examine the impact of an intervention on pre- and post-competition anxiety levels among inter-faculty Kabaddi players. Methods: A total of 48 inter-faculty Kabaddi players participated in the study. Pre- and post-competition anxiety scores were measured using standardized scales. Data were analysed using paired sample statistics, paired correlation, paired t-test, and effect size estimation (Cohen’s d and Hedges’ g) to assess the impact of the intervention on anxiety levels. Results: The results revealed a significant reduction in anxiety levels from pre-test (M = 18.96, SD = 2.81) to post-test (M = 16.77, SD = 1.91). Paired correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive relationship between pre- and post-scores (r = 0.344, p = 0.017). The paired t-test showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (mean difference = 2.19, t (47) = 5.41, p < .001) with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.37 to 3.00. The effect size analysis demonstrated a large effect (Cohen’s d = 0.780; Hedges’ g = 0.774), indicating the intervention had a substantial practical impact. Conclusion: The findings confirm that the intervention effectively reduced competition anxiety among inter-faculty Kabaddi players. This significant reduction, supported by both statistical and practical evidence, suggests the potential value of implementing similar anxiety-reduction strategies in sports training programs.