FTAA to organise sports psychology seminar for parents

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents play a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s mental strength. Recognising this influence, the Federal Territory Athletics Association (FTAA), in collaboration with the Setiawangsa Athletics Club, will shift its focus beyond athletes to those who support them at home.

This followed a Sports Psychology Seminar held on Jan 24 at the Wisma OCM Hall, Olympic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, which highlighted how mental strength, focus and resilience are key elements in achieving success and excellence in sport.

The seminar was attended by 41 of the 44 registered participants and provided valuable exposure to sports psychology, highlighting the importance of mental strength, focus and resilience in achieving success and excellence in sport.

FTAA president Datuk Seri Dr V. Pulainthiran said the programme’s success has prompted plans for another seminar, this time aimed at parents.

“Many underestimate how powerful mental training is for athletes. We must not only build them up physically, but also mentally,” he said.

“Although it was a last-minute decision, I am delighted by the turnout. The feedback from participants was that it gave them a new outlook.”

Pulainthiran added that several parents had waited for their children to complete the seminar and were later invited to sit in, which sparked the idea of organising a dedicated session for parents.

“I want parents to attend the next seminar. Once they have a clearer understanding of sports psychology, it becomes easier for them to provide the right encouragement and create a positive environment at home,” he said.

“This shared understanding helps keep young athletes motivated, confident and committed to long-term development in sport.”

He added that FTAA was committed to organising more events and that future programmes would be open to athletes from other states.

Meanwhile, Setiawangsa Athletics Club head R. Murugan said the seminar was something he had long planned for his athletes.

“I never had the help of a sports psychologist when I was a national athlete. Back then, former athletes gave us motivational talks, which was still a good thing,” he said.

“However, listening to S. Aruna was a real eye-opener for the athletes and for me.

“We hope to work closely with FTAA to organise more seminars as we have many events this year.”

Aruna was formerly with the National Sports Institute and now runs her own company.