INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCE RESEARCH
IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY

Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding and psychologically challenging sports, requiring athletes to perform under intense competitive pressure while maintaining physical endurance, emotional stability, and mental resilience. Athletes frequently encounter various sources of stress arising from competition, performance expectations, training demands, injuries, academic responsibilities, social relationships, and future career uncertainties. Effective coping strategies are therefore essential for managing stress and maintaining optimal performance. The present study investigates the role of coping strategies in managing stress and pressure among Maharashtra wrestlers competing at district, state, and national levels. The study examines coping behavior, stress management, motivation, and coping effectiveness across different playing levels. The theoretical foundation of the study is based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Athletic Coping Skills Inventory, Self-Determination Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Cognitive-Motivational-Relational Theory of Emotion. A quantitative research approach was adopted involving 500 wrestlers selected from various regions of Maharashtra. The findings indicate that wrestlers competing at higher levels demonstrate superior coping skills, greater psychological resilience, higher intrinsic motivation, and better stress management capabilities. National-level wrestlers exhibit stronger commitment, control, and challenge-oriented coping behaviors compared to district-level competitors. The study highlights the importance of psychological skill development, coping strategy training, and mental conditioning programs for improving athletic performance and overall well-being among wrestlers.