Motivation and Mental Toughness among Table Tennis Athletes: Achievement in Sports Performance

Abstract

This descriptive-type study assessed the motivation and mental toughness among table tennis athletes and their achievements in sports performance. The respondents of this study were 68 table tennis varsity athletes who officially played in the singles event during the Mindanao Association of State and Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Friendship Games in Tandag, Surigao Del Sur. The data were gathered using questionnaires and observation and were treated using frequency and percentage to measure the significant relationship between and among the variables. In addition, the Pearson Product Moment Correlation of Coefficient or Pearson r was utilized. It was concluded that schools, universities, and college administrators must give adequate support and provide ample budgetary needs for the varsity athletes to participate in local, regional, and national competitions and tournaments. Government and institutions should equip, train, and manage competitive stress among athletes and enhance their mental capacity to handle performance during games. The researchers concluded that institutions must also consider younger players in their selection process of the varsity. Based on the result of the study, more immature players were more motivated and highly mentally tough compared to the older players.