We asked President of the Belarus Table Tennis Association Alexandre PETKEVITCH about the current situation in Belarus sport.
“Unfortunately the situation with the spread of coronavirus in Belarus is not improving. As well as everywhere in the world the tournament activity in the country has been suspended until better times. Of course athletes are eager for battle waiting for the renewal of competitions and they do not waste the time. Belarus national team players continued with two-time per day trainings in the training center where access to strangers is strictly limited. These days players do not leave the center between morning and evening workouts but they rest and eat in the venue since meals are organized and go home only in the evening ” explained PETKEVITCH.
Belarus Table Tennis Federation press-officer talked with athletes.
- How you feel about cancellation of competitions (TOKYO 2020 in particular or the ITTF Challenge Plus Belarus Open)?
Daria TRIGOLOS: Nowadays suspension of the events is the necessary measures so you need to take the current situation and use the time effectively work on yourself. New dates for the Olympic Games is possible for the better. This year it would be very difficult to qualify and there is another year to increase the level of the game and score rating points. Belarus Open is always a solemn tournament for us and a big event where we want to show our best game in the home arena. Therefore I hope that Belarus Open will nevertheless be held this year.
Nadezhda BOGDANOVA: I am even glad somehow. There is more time to prepare and there are more chances to qualify for the Games.
Aleksandr KHANIN: it’s hard time right now therefore in the situation that has prevailed I consider the suspension of competitions as the right decision. Sports are sports and health is more important. If the competitions were held as on schedule the athletes could not have come up to them in good shape.
Pavel PLATONOV: I take calmly the fact that the Olympics Belarus Open and other competitions are postponed. Everyone needs to take these necessary measures. I think that this is the only right decision in this situation for the health of spectators athletes coaches and everyone involved in the competitions.
- What are the positive moments for you in the current situation and what are the negative ones?
Daria TRIGOLOS: the positive point is that we have a long training period. This is a great opportunity to improve the weaknesses of your game and improve your strengths. Besides much more attention can be paid to general physical fitness which is also very important. The negative point is that we will have no competitive practice for a long time. But this is not a big problem. When the competition resumes we will quickly get involved.
Nadezhda BOGDANOVA: the advantage is that there is an opportunity to improve your physical abilities and game quality thanks to training and general physical education classes. And as the negative point it is very exhausting.
Aleksandr KHANIN: the biggest disadvantage is the lack of competitive practice of course viz. cancellation of all tournaments and club matches. But of course there are many pluses. Now you can focus on the training process as during the season there is too little time for it. In addition usually I spend a lot of time abroad and now I can stay in my hometown with my family with my mother and friends.
Pavel PLATONOV: For myself I see positive aspects in the fact that now we will have more time for the training process it will be possible to devote more time to physical training as well as to better work out the technical elements in table tennis make and try out some adjustments. The negative point is the lack of competitions for a long period of time I mean the lack of game practice but I think it is compensated after.
- How are you preparing now what has changed in the training system?
Daria TRIGOLOS: We train a lot at not only the tables but also pay great attention to physical training now. After morning practice at the tables we do in the gym after evening session there is physical training as well as cross training if the weather allows. We also take time for proper recovery go for a massage do psychological training.
Nadezhda BOGDANOVA: Now we have increased the amount of physical fitness; we do this almost every day. In addition slightly reduced training directly at the tables.
Aleksandr KHANIN: we are now focusing more on physical fitness. This is the physical fitness and training in the gym plus cross running on the street. Tennis has become a little less. I believe that at a time like this (long time without competitions) table tennis is not so important physical fitness is more important to get fit by the beginning of next season.
Pavel PLATONOV: I do not have a big difference in the training system now; I do a little more physical training.
