RUSSIAN SHRINKS PREPARE RP ATHLETES FOR ASIAD
Manila, Nov. 2, 1998 - - Two prominent Russian sports psychologists have been hired by the Philippine Sports Commission to help the national team members bound for the Asian games in Bangkok this December become mentally, as well as physically, prepared for the competition.
Albert Radionov and Gernadi Gorbunov who have worked with Russian athletes during major and tough international competitions, arrived here on Oct. 23 to start a six-month mental conditioning of the nationals for the Asiad as well as the Southeast Asian Games next year.
"We believe that is very important...to have our athletes in their best shapes not only physically but also mentally," said PSC chair Carlos Tuason.
Radionov, said to be an expert in boxing, is currently holding clinics at the Philippine Center for Sports Medicine. Gorbunov, who is stationed at the PhilSports (formerly Ultra), is a specialist in fencing. Both sports are considered as medal potentials for the country in the Asian Games.
Tuason clarified that both can handle all sports, and athletes have started lining up for sessions that would "strengthen their spirits" when they go for the medals in Bangkok.
Gumastos na tayo para sa training ng mga athletes natin. Kung tutuusin, ready na sila physically. Pero paano kung wala naman silang gana sa labanan at kung anu-ano ang iniisip?" Tuason asked. "The arrival of the sports psychologists is timely because the squabbling in some sports associations as well as in the Philippine Olympic Committee are expected to have an adverse effect on the local athletes."
"Sa mga gulo lang na nangyayari, siguradong mababa na ang morale ng mga atleta natin. Kailangan nila ang proper mental conditioning para sa Asian Games," he added.
While working on the athletes, Radionov and Gorbunov are also training aspiring Filipino sports psychologists.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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