The present study aimed to examine the effect of playing venue on testosterone and cortisol responses in male volleyball players. Ninety-six players from eight different public and private universities were monitored during eight competitive matches playing against each other on a home and opponent's home ground. The matches played at home were also won. Testosterone (ng/mL) and cortisol (ug/dL) levels were analyzed before and after each match. A significantly (p 0.0001) pre-match reduction was seen in the testosterone level of players on the opponent's home ground as evidence which indicates that playing venue affects the players' behavior even they did not play the match. Whereas, significantly (p 0.0001) higher pre-match cortisol level of players was observed on an opponent's home ground before the commencement of the match. The present study concluded that playing venue strongly influenced the players' hormonal responses, and they perceive more stress while playing on the opponent's ground.

This study investigated testosterone and cortisol levels on mood states among university male basketball players who had been preparing themselves for the intervarsity competition 2023-2024. The researcher selected 24 players from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, and Government College University Lahore n=12 each, aged between 19 to 25 years. Psychological states were evaluated using the Profile of Mood States(POMS) after matches, while aerobic fitness was assessed using the Cooper Test, which correlates with testosterone levels and POMS parameters. The results revealed that the winners had a considerably higher level of testosterone, while cortisol levels were diminished. Winners further showed improved POMS scores that indicated better mood states and high VO2 max levels, an indication of better aerobic fitness. Results indicated that high testosterone levels are the cause of high vigor and enhanced psychological resilience and that low cortisol levels reflect a decrease in stress and anxiety after the competition.