1. Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.

*             Correspondence: tuladharnamrata@gmail.com

Keywords: Female athletes, sports, motivations, Extrinsic, National Games, motivation levels

1. INTRODUCTION

Sports represent structured, skill-based physical activities that demand discipline, practice, and sustained motivation to achieve peak performance [1]. Regular training enables athletes to refine their techniques, improve their abilities, and ultimately reach the highest levels of performance. Beyond competition, sports play a vital role in promoting physical and emotional well-being, preparing individuals to face real-world challenges, and instilling values of resilience, teamwork, and national pride [2]. For nations, particularly developing ones, supporting young athletes is a crucial investment, as they represent the country on the global stage. However, consistent participation in sports is often hindered by various barriers, with motivation emerging as one of the most critical factors influencing athlete retention and performance [3]. Motivation in sports can be categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. Intrinsic motivation stems from internal desires, such as personal satisfaction, curiosity, mastery, and the joy of the activity itself [4]. Athletes motivated intrinsically often demonstrate greater persistence, enthusiasm, and long-term engagement, as their motivation is rooted in passion and personal growth. In contrast, extrinsic motivation arises from external rewards such as recognition, fame, or financial incentives and can also influence athletes’ decisions to continue training [5]. However, research suggests that reliance on extrinsic motivation alone may lead to early dropout when rewards diminish or pressures increase. Understanding the balance between these motivational forces is key to developing effective training and retention strategies for athletes [6]. The Nepalese sports context underscores the urgency of studying these motivational dynamics. Sports psychology remains underdeveloped in Nepal, with limited research on what drives athletes to sustain long-term engagement [7]. Policymaking, coaching strategies, and investment decisions are often made without robust data or psychological insight, creating a gap between athlete development and institutional support. As a result, many athletes leave their sports prematurely, representing not only a personal loss but also a broader setback for the national sports system and its investments [8]. This lack of structured motivational research undermines the development of effective policies to retain and support athletes throughout their careers [9]. Long-term success in sports does not occur overnight, achieving elite performance requires years of structured training, psychological resilience, and continuous motivation. To sustain this motivation, athletes depend on multiple support systems family, coaches, teammates, sports federations, and policymakers [10]. Understanding what motivates athletes can help identify at-risk individuals who may drop out early, allowing for targeted interventions to keep them engaged [11]. Research in other countries has shown that well-structured motivational support systems can significantly reduce dropout rates and enhance performance outcomes. The study focuses on national-level athletes in Nepal, examining the factors that influence their persistence in sports, including family support, differences between individual and team sports, and the impact of gender on motivation [12]. It is the first study of its kind in Nepal to systematically evaluate motivational levels and their implications for athlete retention. By using standardized tools such as the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS-28) developed by Ryan and Deci, the research aims to measure both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study is designed in such a way that it applies both qualitative and quantitative methods. It follows descriptive study method. The tools for the study were questionnaire and motivation levels of athletes were determined by using Sports motivation scale,’SMS-28’. For the purpose of this current study the population is the national level athletes who have participated in the 9th National Games 2079. The number of active national players who participated in the 9th national games 2079 BS was 6102 (. The study has been conducted to know the reasons and the interrelationship between the variables of motivation for continuation of sports among the national level Athletes of National Game of Nepal. The number of active national players who participated in the 9th national games 2079 BS was since, the most of the national training camps are situated in Kathmandu valley, we can depict that the population of national athletes is concentrated inside the Kathmandu valley. Thus, higher number of athletes residing in the Kathmandu Valley at the time of the study had been taken as the sample for the study. For the purpose of this current study the population is the national level athletes who have participated in the 9th National Games 2079. For the accuracy in result, only those athletes who participated in the ninth national games were selected. For this study, survey method is used. The study was designed to understand the motivating factors that has impact over athletes on continuation of their sports career. The respondents of the study were those people who are the national level athletes of Nepal. So those who participated in the recent 9th national games 2079 were selected while designing the sample. In terms of the total number of athlete’s population, the sample size ŋ and margin of error E are given by

X N	= =	Z(c/100)2r(100-r) N x/((N-1) E2 + x)
E	=	Sqrt [(N – ŋ) x/n(N-1)]
Where,

N = the population size,

r = the fraction of responses

Z(c/100) =the critical value for the confidence level c.

The study focused on the motivation and motivation of national level athletes participating in the 9th national games in 2022 AD. A total of 181 athletes participated, with 97 from individual sports and 84 from team sports. Both quantitative and qualitative tools were used for data collection, including questionnaires relating to general information, sports participation, and education qualifications. The Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) was used as a data collection tool to assess reasons for continuing sports. The scale consists of 28 items and includes questions about athletes’ intention to continue sports, such as their plan of continuing sports until they are physically fit, whether they plan to continue sports until they retire, and how much support they feel from their family. Secondary data was collected from previous study articles, journals, books, the internet, newspaper, and articles. In-depth interviews were conducted among selected national level athletes from both individual and team sports. Data collection and processing included pre-testing tools, field operation, and data entry and processing. The questionnaire was used for data collection, with pretests conducted among national taekwondo athletes. The researchers planned to visit national team training centers, Departmental sports training academies, Nepal Police Club, and Nepal APF club. National athletes of provinces who were not present in the Kathmandu valley at the time of data collection would be interviewed through phone calls or online social media. Data entry and processing were performed using Epidata, SPSS, MS Excel, and SPSS (Ver.22) package program. The answers collected from the respondents were solely for academic purposes, with privacy and confidentiality guaranteed. Respondents were expected to behave respectfully and provide accurate information.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The qualitative data gathered through Key Informant Interviews with athletes revealed that most participants were strongly motivated from within to continue playing sports.

Table 01: Correlation coefficients with level of significance, factors of motivation, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Types of Motivation Index in Score	Correlations	Total Motivation Index in Score
Intrinsic Motivation	Pearson Correlation	0.893**
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.000
	N	181
Extrinsic Motivation	Pearson Correlation	0.900**
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.000
	N	181
Amotivation Index	Pearson Correlation	-0.524**
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.000
	N	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed)

The study found that female athletes had a mean and standard deviation of 0.7374 and 0.16084, while male athletes had a higher degree of motivation.

Table 02: Mean and standard deviation of motivation of male and female athletes, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Sex	Mean	Standard Deviation
Female	0.7374	0.16084
Male	0.7578	0.14311
Total	0.7459	0.15366

The study revealed that athletes from the Terai region had higher motivation scores than those from the Hilly and Himalayan regions, with the highest mean and standard deviation.

Table 03: Mean and SD of the motivation of athletes of various origin, Athletes of National Games of Nepal, 2022.

Origin	Mean	Standard Deviation
Himalayan	0.6786	0.17891
Hilly	0.7422	0.15825
Terai	0.7669	0.13606
Total	0.7459	0.15366

Athletes under 19 showed the highest motivation, with a mean of 0.7694 and a standard deviation of 0.19484, but motivation decreased with age.

Table 04: Mean and SD of the motivation of athletes of various age group, Athletes of National Games of Nepal, 2022

Age Group	Mean	Standard Deviation
Up to 19	0.7694	0.19484
20-24	0.7612	0.14768
25-29	0.7384	0.13315
30-34	0.7206	0.18722
35 and Over	0.7300	0.16693
Total	0.7459	0.15366

Dalit athletes showed higher motivation than other athletes, with a mean and SD of 0.8078 and 0.11573, despite low participation in sports. Janajati athletes had lower motivation values.

Table 05: Mean and SD of the motivation of athletes of various age group, Athletes of National Games of Nepal, 2022

Ethnicity	Mean	Standard Deviation
Dalit	0.8078	0.11573
Janajati	0.7588	0.15013
Others	0.7213	0.15971
Total	0.7459	0.15366

The study found that urban athletes had higher motivation levels than those from rural areas, with mean and standard deviations of 0.7263 and 0.16964, respectively.

Table 06: Mean of the motivation score by type of municipality, Athletes of National Games of Nepal, 2022

Municipality	Mean	Standard Deviation
Rural Municipality	0.7263	0.16964
Urban Municipality	0.7594	0.14079
Total	0.7459	0.15366

Source: Data file, Values are derived using SPSS software

A study revealed that team sports athletes are more motivated, while individual sports athletes have higher intrinsic and extrinsic motivation scores.

Table 07: Mean of the motivation score by types of sports, Athletes of National Games of Nepal, 2022.

Types of sports		Total Motivation Index in Score	Intrinsic Motivation Index in Score	Extrinsic Motivation Index in Score	Amotivation Index in Score
Individual	Mean	0.7418	0.7940	0.7455	0.5742
	N	97	97	97	97
	Std. Deviation	0.16836	0.18458	0.18669	0.28239
Team	Mean	0.7505	0.7877	0.7675	0.5881
	N	84	84	84	84
	Std. Deviation	0.13558	0.15101	0.16658	0.26109
Total	Mean	0.7459	0.7911	0.7557	0.5807
	N	181	181	181	181
	Std. Deviation	0.15366	0.16940	0.17749	0.27205

The Motivation Index score was found to be higher in team sports than individual sports, but the correlation value was less than 0.30, indicating insufficient evidence for a significant correlation.

Table 08: Correlation analysis of total motivation and types of sports, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Correlations
		Types of sports	Motivation Index in Score
Types of sports	Pearson Correlation	1	0.028
	Sig. (2-tailed)		0.706
	N	181	181
Motivation Index in Score	Pearson Correlation	0.028	1
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.706
	N	181	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed)

The study revealed that male athletes, particularly in the Terai region and Dalits, showed slightly higher motivation levels than females, with age having a negative correlation.

Table 09: Correlation coefficients with level of significance of motivation and demographic factors, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Correlation	Motivation Index in Score by Selected Variables
	Sex	Origin	Ethnicity	Age	Height in CM	Weight in Kg	EQ1	EQF	EQM
Pearson Correlation	0.066	0.124	-0.156*	-0.087	-0.034	0.005	0.022	-0.204**	-0.212**
Sig. (2-tailed)	0.380	0.097	0.036	0.242	0.652	0.942	0.773	0.006	0.004
N	181	181	181	181	181	181	180	181	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed), EQ1- Education Qualification of Athlete, EQ2- Education Qualification of Father, EQ3- Education Qualification of Mother. Athlete motivation influenced by demographics; varies.

Table 10: Correlation coefficients with level of significance of motivation and sports experience, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Correlations	Motivation Index in Score by Selected variables
	Years of active participation in sports	Numbers of national games participated	Numbers of international games participated in till now
Pearson Correlation	-0.055	-0.042	0.006
Sig. (2-tailed)	0.461	0.571	0.933
N	181	181	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed)

The study found a significant correlation between the coach’s support and the motivation of athletes, with higher support leading to increased sports motivation.

Table 11: Correlation coefficients with level of significance of motivation and social support, Athletes of Nepal, 2022

Correlations	Motivation Index in Score by Selected variables
	Parents	Teachers	Family members	Relatives	Coach	Friends
Pearson Correlation	0.044	0.247**	0.226**	0.046	0.306**	0.008
Sig0. (2-tailed)	0.553	0.001	0.002	0.537	0.000	0.915
N	181	181	181	181	181	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). Motivation influenced by support systems.

Table 12: Correlation coefficients with level of significance of motivation and ability of management of expenses, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

 

Correlations	Motivation Index in Score by Selected variables
	Monthly expenses for food and nutrition for games	Expenses for game materials by self	Training fees	Transportation cost	Other daily expenses required while participating in sports
Pearson Correlation	0.183*	0.162*	0.132	0.119	0.186*
Sig0. (2- tailed)	0.013	0.029	0.077	0.111	0.012
N	181	181	181	181	181
Sig0. (2- tailed)	0.389	0.264	0.181	0.873	0.406
N	181	181	181	181	181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).  Intrinsic, extrinsic factors influence.

Table 13: Correlation coefficients with level of significance of total motivation and behavior of athletes, Athletes of Nepal, 2022

Motivation Index in Score by Selected variable	Correlations	Motivation Index in Score	Intrinsic Motivation Index in Score	Extrinsic Motivation Index in Score	Amotivation Index in Score
Perception of achievement of success in sports (in terms of achievement and progress)	Pearson Correlation	0.175*	0.211**	0.135	-0.034
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.018	0.004	0.069	-0.653
	N	181	181	181	-181
Level of confidence in ability in sports	Pearson Correlation	0.228**	0.215**	0.186*	-0.137
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.002	0.004	0.012	-0.065
	N	181	181	181	-181
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.001	0.015	0.008	-0.001
	N	180	180	180	-180
Level of motivation to continue participating in sports training	Pearson Correlation	0.344**	0.357**	0.276**	-0.152*
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.000	0.000	0.000	-0.041
	N	181	181	181	-181
level of commitment to continue participation in sports tournaments	Pearson Correlation	0.175*	0.205**	0.121	-0.073
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.018	0.006	0.106	-0.330
	N	181	181	181	-181
Satisfaction with sports experience overall	Pearson Correlation	0.301**	0.239**	0.251**	-0.253**
	Sig. (2-tailed)	0.000	0.001	0.001	-0.001
	N	181	181	181	-181

Legend: **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).  Motivation influenced by factors

Table 14: Hypothesis testing, Athletes of Ninth National Games of Nepal, 2022

Hn	Hypothesis	P-value	Correlation	Conclusion
H1	The motivation to continue sports differs according to choice of sports.	0.706	0.028	Rejected
H2	There exist differences in the reason to continue sports according to the sex of the athletes.	0.380	0.066	Rejected
H3	Higher the family support, higher the motivation in sports.	0.002	0.226**	Accepted

 

These interviews, allowing researchers to explore athletes’ motivational drivers, sources of support, satisfaction with achievements, and challenges to long-term sports participation. In response to “How much do you want to play sports and why? The majority of athletes expressed a high level of intrinsic motivation. Both individual and team sport athletes described their strong personal commitment to training and performance improvement. One female athlete stated, “I really want to play sports. It’s not just a sport for me; it’s how I live” (Interviewee 24, female). This response underscores that, for many athletes, participation in sports extends beyond physical activity to become an integral part of their identity and lifestyle. The focused on motivation for sustained participation, “How motivated are you to keep playing the sports you play, and what are the reasons that make you want to keep playing?” Most athletes reported being highly motivated to continue their athletic careers, citing family support and the personal significance of athletic identity as key drivers. One 30-year-old woman explained, “Sports keep me going as long as my body can handle it. My family and parents are behind me and encourage me in my sports. That’s why I’m so eager to keep playing sports.” However, not all responses were uniformly positive. An athlete involved in an individual sport expressed concerns about the uncertainty of a sustainable future in sports. She explained how long training hours forced her to abandon her studies and delayed her plans to study abroad. Her experience highlights the financial insecurity and lack of career pathways that often undermine intrinsic motivation, particularly in individual sports where opportunities may be more limited. In the third question, regarding their level of satisfaction with sports achievements, most athletes reported a high degree of contentment. A 32-year-old female athlete remarked, “I’ve put in a lot of work in my training, and I’m very happy with the things I’ve accomplished in my sports career.” Team sport athletes particularly emphasized their pride in participating in multiple national and international competitions. In contrast, the individual sport athlete expressed mixed feelings satisfaction with her national-level achievements but frustration over limited international exposure. This reflects the disparities in competitive opportunities between team and individual sports, which may impact long-term motivation. The examined perceived support: “How much help do you feel you get from your parents, family, coach, teammates, friends, and others to keep playing sports?” Across interviews, family emerged as the primary support system for athletes, providing emotional and financial encouragement. However, peer and coaching support varied. One team sport athlete reported interpersonal tensions, noting that some teammates were unsupportive. Meanwhile, an individual sport athlete described feeling neglected by her coach during national camps, stating, “I think my coach is biased because he doesn’t pay attention to me” (24-year-old woman). These experiences underline the critical role of supportive environments—from teammates to coaching staff—in sustaining athlete motivation and performance. The question addressed obstacles to continued participation and potential solutions: “What problems do you have while you are still playing sports, and what changes need to be made to make people more interested in them?” The athletes identified financial instability as the most significant demotivating factor, noting that the absence of stable income and professional opportunities discourages long-term engagement. They also stressed the need for structured training environments, experienced coaching, mental health support, and clear career pathways to maintain motivation and commitment [13]. These insights highlight systemic gaps in athlete development and retention, particularly in contexts with limited infrastructure and institutional support [14]. In addition to qualitative findings, the study presented correlation coefficients and descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) that quantified motivation levels. Results showed a stronger correlation between extrinsic motivation and overall motivation compared to intrinsic motivation [15]. In other words, while athletes expressed deep personal passion for their sports, external factors such as financial incentives, recognition, and support networks exerted a greater influence on their sustained participation [16]. There was also a moderate relationship between amotivation (lack of motivation) and other variables, indicating that when external motivation declined, overall motivation levels dropped significantly. The conclusion of this analysis emphasizes that external motivation plays a dominant role in maintaining athletes’ engagement, even when intrinsic motivation is strong. Family support, recognition, and structured pathways significantly contribute to their willingness to continue training and competing [17]. Conversely, financial insecurity, limited opportunities, and inadequate support systems erode motivation and increase the likelihood of early dropout. This underscores the urgent need for policy interventions—including financial assistance, structured career development programs, coaching reforms, and mental health support—to sustain athletes’ motivation and enable them to achieve their full potential [18]. Strengthening both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors can help build a more resilient, high-performing athletic community.

4. CONCLUSION

The study presents a comprehensive demographic and motivational profile of national-level athletes, identifying key factors influencing their participation, commitment, and future engagement in sports. The largest group of athletes was aged 25–29 years (38.7%), with most respondents (71.2%) unmarried—particularly female athletes (79.2%). Janajati athletes formed the majority (51.4%). Educationally, most held SLC/SEE or higher secondary qualifications, with few having advanced degrees. Most athletes had 7–15 years of experience, though over half had participated in fewer than five national or international events. Parental encouragement was the most influential motivational factor (58.6%), followed by support from family, friends, and coaches. Intrinsic motivation, centered on personal satisfaction and skill mastery, was dominant—especially among female athletes. Social recognition and personal growth also played significant extrinsic roles. Most athletes viewed sports as essential for physical fitness, with low levels of amotivation. Commitment was strong (68.5%), particularly among female athletes, though overall satisfaction was moderate (47%), with team sports athletes reporting higher satisfaction than individual sport participants. Financial strain emerged as a major barrier; only a minority could manage expenses easily, while many struggled to cover training and nutrition costs. Younger athletes exhibited higher motivation levels, while no significant differences were found by gender, parental education, or physical characteristics. A negative correlation emerged between motivation and years of participation, indicating motivation tends to decline over time. Coach support showed the strongest positive correlation with motivation, and financial independence was linked to higher commitment. The study recommends enhancing family and social support, strengthening coach–athlete relationships, and offering parental counseling to improve perceptions of sports as a career. It calls for stronger legal frameworks, fair play policies, structured training programs, promotion of sports universities, and science-based training approaches. Providing essential resources and financial assistance is also vital to ease economic burdens. In essence, intrinsic motivation, coaching support, and family encouragement are the strongest drivers of athlete engagement, whereas financial constraints and limited exposure remain major challenges. Addressing these through targeted policies, improved infrastructure, and sustainable support strategies is critical for maintaining motivation and performance among national-level athletes.

REFERENCES

1. Acharya, B. Values of Family Supports to Athletes in Nepal.
2. 로미. (2021). Exploring Womens Participation in Sport Leadership Positions(Doctoral dissertation, 서울대학교 대학원).
3. Dangal, D. N., & Pokhrel, A. (2023). A POLICY ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SPORTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL.
4. Gautam, S. (2024). FRAMING NATIONALISM IN ACC ASIA CUP 2023: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NEPALI, INDIAN, AND PAKISTANI NEWSPAPERS(Doctoral dissertation, Department of Journalism and Mass Communications Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu).
5. Hassan, Y., Pandey, J., Varkkey, B., Sethi, D., & Scullion, H. (2022). Understanding talent management for sports Organizations-Evidence from an emerging country. The International Journal of human resource management, 33(11), 2192-2225.
6. Vijapur, V. B. (2023). Indian Athletic Coach and Dronacharya Awardee N. Lingappa; His Personality and Achievements. Ashok Yakkaldevi.
7. Bhusal, S., Dotel, U., Katila, S. K., & Shrestha, S. (2021). Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury and its Rehabilitation in Nepal. JNMA: Journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 59(239), 730.
8. Bouma, R. A. (2022). The Decline in Interscholastic Sports Officials: Identifying College Athletes’ Perceived Barriers of Becoming a High School Sports Official. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
9. Mishra, A., Bhirud, A., Agrawal, M., Tripathi, A., Baranwal, V. K., & Kapoor, G. (2024). A prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive aspects in relation to sports related ocular injuries. International Ophthalmology, 44(1), 436.
10. Heller stein, D., & Hutzler, Y. (2025). ‘It is just a lever for success in life’: identity construction and perceived roles of elite para-athletes. Sport, Education and Society, 1-17.
11. Kusumanegara, I., Fitriyah, N., & Yusanto, Y. The Impact of Parental Decision-Making in Encouraging Children to Become Motocross Athletes in Banten Province.
12. Rampersad, A. (2025). Recruitment and Retention Issues of Female Athletes: Triathletes in Trinidad and Tobago. In Sport Development and Sport for Development in the Caribbean: A Sociology of Emerging Trends(pp. 149-167). Emerald Publishing Limited.
13. Shah, R. (2024). STATUS OF CONTINUATION OF SPECTACLE WEARING AMONG SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN EASTERN NEPAL(Doctoral dissertation, Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University).
14. Hirani, A. (2023). Career Development of Successful Indian football players: Analysis of Media Materials.
15. He, B., Malcolm, D., & Xu, C. (2024). From an Expatriate-Only Sport to an Asian Games Sport: The Development of Cricket in China. In The Mediating Power of Sport: Global Challenges and Sport Culture in China(pp. 129-141). Emerald Publishing Limited.
16. Wynn, E. (2025). A Quantitative Correlational Predictive Study of Student Athlete Identity and Institutional Commitment(Doctoral dissertation, Grand Canyon University).
17. Johnson, M. P., Aregbeyen, O., & Emmanuel, B. D. (2024). Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Wage Remuneration in Liberia Women Football. African Journal of Sports and Physical Sciences, 2(1), 96-114.
18. Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, R., Paun, D. G., Mindrescu, V., & Cătună, C. (2023). Yoga, an appurtenant method to improve the sports performance of elite Romanian athletes. Sustainability, 15(5), 4264.