Yoga learning and practice : perception by athletes participating in competitive sport

One of the significant influences on intrinsic motivation of the learner's continued practice of an activity, is, the learner's perception about the activity. The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of 'yoga' activity by male and female athletes participating in different competitive sports during varied level of competitions. Studies about athlete perception towards yoga and their motivation to learn and practice yoga is limited. This study is important since yoga postures (asanas) and regulated breathing (pranayama) could be applied as one of the self-care methods along with the sport fitness and recovery training for overall sport wellbeing including prevention and effective management of sport injuries.