China ramps up psychology and downplays medal hopes

By Liu Zhen

BEIJING (Reuters) - China has begun ramping up psychological training for its athletes to help them cope with the pressure at this year's Beijing Olympics, a top sports official told an advisory body to China's parliament.

Deputy sports minister Cui Dalin also made another effort to reduce the weight of expectation by playing down the hosts' chances of topping the medals table at the August 8-24 Games.

"To compete at home demands a stronger mentality from the athletes," Cui told reporters at a meeting of the sports group of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Committee (CPPCC) on Wednesday.

"When their parents, relatives and friends are watching from the stands, the athletes are under great pressure.

"We have therefore intensified psychological training and guidance for every national team."

Cui said the gymnastics team had recently invited their parents to watch them train and the impact had been noticeable.

"Once the parents sat down, the young gymnasts started tumbling from the bars and balance beams one after another," he said.

China won the second best tally of 32 gold medals at the last Olympics in Athens, four fewer than the United States. Given home advantage in 2008, many Chinese expect their athletes to top medals table in August.