Nizhny Novgorod Region launches a psychological support strategy in the sports sector

      August 2, 2025, 12:17

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      Sports In the Nizhny Novgorod Region, a pilot project dedicated to implementing the Psychological Support Strategy in the field of physical culture and sports has begun. The key step in the launch was signing a tripartite agreement between the regional Ministry of Sports, the Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky (NNGU), and the Department of Physical Education and Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod City Administration. The document was signed by Dmitry Kabailo, Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region; Oleg Trofimov, Rector of NNGU; and Anton Ermakov, Director of the City Sports Department. The agreement is the result of joint efforts initiated in 2023, when a working group comprising representatives of government authorities, the university, and practicing psychologists was formed. According to Dmitry Kabailo, the implementation of the strategy aims to systematize psychological support tools in sports. Special attention will be given to children and teenagers engaged in sports, as well as to coaches and parents. He emphasized that the region’s experience is planned to be shared with the federal Ministry of Sports for possible scaling. The document defines priority areas for developing psychological assistance for both professional athletes and regional national teams, as well as for participants in student, school, and corporate leagues. As part of the strategy’s implementation, it is planned to increase the availability of psychological and psychological-pedagogical aid for all participants in training and competition processes. By 2030, the plan is to expand the number of full-time psychologists in regional sports facilities and to set up specialized offices at sports venues. Among the expected results are improved quality of assistance, reduced levels of antisocial behavior among minors, and increased effectiveness of public investments in sports. Oleg Trofimov noted that supporting athletes is one of the university's primary scientific directions. He also added that working with the parents of young athletes requires attention, as their behavior can influence the psychological climate in the sports environment. At the meeting of the Public Council under the regional Ministry of Sports, it was also announced that Svetlana Sokolovskaya, Head of the Department of Sports Medicine and Psychology at NNGU, has joined the expert council at the federal Ministry of Sports. This body is developing the professional standard for "Sports Psychologist," which is planned to be approved by the end of 2025. The next step will be preparing amendments to the staffing schedules of sports institutions, which will include a new position of sports psychologist. Oversight of the strategy's implementation and the evaluation of applied approaches will be entrusted to specialists from the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization (ANO) "Center for School Sports Leagues and Sports Development in Nizhny Novgorod," as well as to a specialized laboratory at NNGU. Anton Ermakov emphasized that the project’s goal is to create an environment where sport becomes not only a means of achieving results but also a tool for education and personal development. The center, established on the initiative of the city head Yuri Shalabaev, will help unlock the potential of Nizhny Novgorod school students. Operational support for the strategy’s implementation will be provided by ANO "Center for Management and Development of Sports in Nizhny Novgorod Region," established by the regional Ministry of Sports. It was previously reported that the region is implementing a supported employment system for people with disabilities. Nizhny Novgorod Information Agency (NIAN) has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about major events, exclusive materials, and timely updates. Copyright © 1999–2025 Nizhny Novgorod Information Agency (NIAN). When reproducing, a hyperlink to NIAN is mandatory. This resource may contain 18+ materials.