Discipline and Mindset Crucial, Says Sotomayor at Sports Literature Festival

World record-holding high jumper Javier Sotomayor emphasized on Saturday that discipline and mindset, rather than facilities alone, determine an athlete’s success. Speaking at the Ekamra Sports Literature Festival, the Cuban Olympic champion noted that India currently possesses ideal conditions to produce world-class athletes, but the drive must come from within.

“Technology and support are available now. What is required is discipline. Once it is applied, results will follow,” Sotomayor said. He highlighted mental strength and long-term commitment as essential for achieving consistent elite performance. The 1992 Olympic gold medalist added that there is no fixed formula for breaking records, but the time is right for India to make a breakthrough in athletics.

Sotomayor also acknowledged the role of external encouragement in motivating athletes, noting that while advice can provide a push, personal effort and dedication shape careers. “Athletes are not made in a day. Years of commitment are required. Words of encouragement help, but the journey is ultimately theirs,” he said.

This was Sotomayor’s first participation in a sports literature festival, where he shared his experiences as an athlete and reflected on the significance of sports in personal and national development.

Meanwhile, Palestinian middle-distance runner Mohammed Dwad­er described the challenges faced by athletes in his country due to unsafe conditions and limited access to proper training facilities. He said training abroad, possibly in Germany, is crucial for maintaining high-performance standards.

“Back home, training is limited to streets and makeshift gyms. Only two or three months a year can proper tracks be accessed. Before the Olympics, just two weeks were available for track preparation,” Dwad­er said. Despite the difficulties, he affirmed that giving up is not an option.

Dwad­er also linked his personal journey to the broader struggle of Palestinians seeking normalcy. “Sport is inseparable from the lives of our people. We hope for a future where safe training, peaceful sleep, and freedom to chase ambitions are possible,” he said. He expressed optimism that Palestinian athletes will eventually compete successfully at international events, including the Asian Games.