Sports psychologist proposes psychologist positions in sports schools

It is impossible to win titles in elite sports without proper psychological preparation, sports psychologist Baregham Mnatsakanyan said during a discussion on issues of physical culture and sports organized by the Hayrenik (Homeland) Party.

“Unfortunately, Armenia faces a shortage of qualified specialists. There are many psychologists, but in practice it can be said that there are almost none who specialize in sports psychology,” Mnatsakanyan noted.

He proposed introducing a sports psychologist position in all sports schools, adding that such a position already exists at the Abovyan Sports School. Mnatsakanyan also suggested launching a pilot program in cooperation with several sports federations, through which selected athletes would work with experienced sports psychologists.

“After that, people will see the kind of results athletes achieve in competitions when they have worked with a psychologist,” he said.