Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic brought global disruptions across all sectors, with sports and physical activity among the hardest hit. This study explores the psychological and physical impact of the pandemic on athletes, emphasizing the mental health challenges, closure of sports facilities, and the resultant decline in physical activity levels. The abrupt suspension of sporting events, closure of training centers, and enforcement of lockdowns led to heightened psychological distress among athletes, including anxiety, depression, demotivation, and identity crises. Many athletes lost access to structured routines, coaching support, and competition, which are essential to both performance and mental stability. The closure of sports facilities disrupted regular training, causing a decline in performance readiness and contributing to emotional burnout. Simultaneously, there was a global decrease in physical activity levels among the general population and amateur athletes due to limited access to recreational spaces and fitness infrastructure. This inactivity increased the risk of lifestyle diseases and mental health disorders. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for integrating mental health support within athletic programs and adopting digital solutions for fitness continuity. The study concludes by recommending policy reforms, hybrid training models, and enhanced psychological services to mitigate the long-term impact on athletes and the broader community. The findings underscore the importance of resilience planning and mental health prioritization in sports policy post-COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19, athletes, mental health, sports facility closure, physical inactivity, depression, anxiety, psychological support, pandemic impact, training disruption

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2025.12608