Dr. Amin Rafieepour, head of the Psychology Center of Iran’s National Olympic Academy, said the center’s main objective is to help athletes improve their performance and reach a higher level ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Iran
NOC; Tehran: Speaking about the role of sports psychology in elite competition,
he said modern research places its impact alongside coaching, noting that
athletes who reach top international events are usually very close in physical
ability, and that mental and psychological readiness is often the key factor
that sets them apart. With around four months remaining until the Games,
Rafieepour said the academy has stepped up its support by assigning sports
psychologists to most federations whose athletes are in contention for
selection and have requested assistance. These psychologists are expected to
remain with athletes through the Nagoya Games, while the academy’s Psychology
Center also continues to provide individual support services.
He
added that special sessions will be organized for athletes with stronger medal
chances in an effort to improve results and contribute to Iran’s standing in
the medal table. Rafieepour stressed that sports psychologists work closely
with coaches and athletes, helping strengthen mental preparation, address
challenges, improve relationships within teams and enhance team cohesion. He
also noted that the center holds weekly educational webinars for athletes and
coaches, while continuing to update its own specialists through regular
training programs so they can provide the best possible psychological support
to Iranian athletes.