The expert panel titled “Mental Preparedness of National Teams: From Training to International Competition” was held at the Tehran International Exhibition Center as part of the Sportex Studio events during SPORTEX 2025.​

The panel brought together leading specialists in sports psychology, including Dr. Mohammad Hatami, President of the Organization of Psychological Practice and Counseling of Iran; Dr. Hadi Zadeh, representative of the Virtus World Federation; and faculty experts from various fields. The session was chaired academically by Dr. Saber Mehri, a faculty member of the Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran.

During discussions, participants emphasized the need to establish a specialized Sports Psychology Commission within the Organization of Psychological Practice and Counseling. They proposed developing professional qualification criteria requiring expertise in the sports environment, mastery of applied psychological approaches, and completion of certified professional training programs.

Dr. Hatami announced plans to form this commission, stating that only those with specialized knowledge and practice in sports psychology, not merely general psychology licenses, should be accredited. He noted that the commission’s purpose would be to strengthen standards, ethical practices, and credibility in the field.

Dr. Hadi Zadeh addressed the unique mental and emotional characteristics of para-athletes, calling for a deeper understanding of their distinct challenges in competitive sport.

The session also included case presentations from national federations, such as table tennis and aquatic sports, highlighting the necessity of consistent psychological support throughout training and competition periods. Experts reaffirmed that mental health must underlie psychological preparation, warning that the absence of professional psychologists during international events can negatively impact performance.

Closing the session, Dr. Mehri emphasized that the creation of the sports psychology commission would foster stronger coordination among universities, sport federations, and professional institutions, ensuring the integration of scientific research into athletic practice.

This event represented another key step by the Sport Sciences Research Institute toward bridging science and applied excellence in Iranian sport psychology.