Ankita Raina: One need to start building on the mental aspect of tennis from junior level

Indian rising tennis player Ankita Raina has opined that there is a need for young tennis players to work on the mental aspect of the game from the young age,

This, she said, will help the players in the latter part of their careers.

Raina gave the advice when speaking during the ‘Education Webinar for Coaches’ organized by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) yesterday.

The tennis star was speaking to AITA registered coaches and tennis experts on the way forward in the game with everyone on a forced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

While nothing that all stakeholders have now realised the importance of players working on their Tennis skills and fitness level, Raina felt that building on the mental aspect of the game from the junior level is essential.

She also stated that during the transition from junior to senior Tennis, many players either leave the sport or choose something else in life.

She, therefore, noted that coaches working on the mental training of such players at a very young age would be of huge help to them.

Raina, who is also part of the Indian team, pointed that as players keep improving themselves in their respective games and reaching higher rankings, they will reach a stage where there will be the test of their mind. At this stage, she said those who had prepared for it after working on their mental strength from a young age would manage it effectively.

Raina, who is ranked 163 on the WTA ranking, is the highest-ranked Indian.

During her session, a mental Training session expert, Janki R Deole moderated on the topic Importance and Integration of Sports Psychology in Tennis. Other things discussed during the session were about Sports Psychology, it’s Importance in Tennis, the Mental Training Routines, e.t.c.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed