by Simon Daish
Having got underway on Sunday 10th June the clinic will be in progress through to Saturday 23rd June with Daria Trigolos, Nadezhda Bogdanova, Alina Nikitchanka and Katsiaryna Baravok making the trip.
Providing an update on how the clinic is panning out, coach Tatyana Petkevich is happy to report that the team has received a warm and friendly welcome in Hong Kong and is hopeful that her players will gain valuable experience from their time spent mixing in with some of the local stars.
“The most important thing is that the Hong Kong team has some of the strongest players in the world. These athletes hold third place in the world team rankings. Here, there are excellent conditions for work as well as friendly and responsive athletes and coaches. The work takes place at a very high level in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Our athletes have been working well and have strong sparring partners who are part of Hong Kong’s national team of different ages.” Tatyana Petkevich
With the Liebherr 2018 European Championships just a few months away, the training clinic in Hong Kong holds that extra little bit of importance for the Belarusians. However, coach Tatyana Petkevich explains that finding the right balance between training hard, attending gym sessions and adequate rest is essential if her players are to get the absolute most out of their visit.
“Training takes place in approximately the same way as in our home. We start our work day at 8:30 am and finish around 12. The second training starts at 14:45 and lasts until 17:30. Then we work in the gym and dine. We are trying to relieve the middle of the week a little. On Wednesday, we only have morning training, and in the evening we work in the gym. On Saturday we train on the same schedule. Also, there are comfortable living conditions and a balanced diet, which is suitable for athletes.” Tatyana Petkevich
Source: Belarusian Table Tennis Federation