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2019 After Valdas Gecevičius assumed command of the Lithuanian national team, M. Panovas became one of the leaders of the national team and contributed significantly to the team’s triumph in the US Paralympic Qualifiers. USA, where he became the most productive player and helped Lithuania win a ticket to the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
M. Panovas also played a very important role in 2019. At the European Championship in Germany, where there was also an incomprehensible mystery for the defense of rivals, and our national team won bronze medals.
M. Panovas told the official website of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee about the end of his career, the reasons for the decision and his future. paralympics.lt.
– Mantai, why did you decide to finish your career?
– First of all about health, wellness. Back pain, knee problems, everything else. I also have problems with my nose, I need surgery. The back and knees were worn for so long. These are longstanding problems that are not solved in any way. I have been suffering for years, but now I have decided that it is time to finish before I can leave the sport with my head held high.
I decided that there was nothing here to wrap in cotton, that it was necessary to honestly say to yourself “enough is enough” to just go out and do something else in life. Suffering, suffering and what? Physical pain also cuts through psychology. There is fatigue, discomfort. The pain is transmitted to other things, causing additional stress. I made the decision that I didn’t want to suffer anymore. I want to do something in my life that satisfies me and brings me joy.
Physical pain also cuts through psychology.
– How long has this solution matured?
– It lasted for several years. Those thoughts were formed until I found the courage to admit to myself that now is the right time and there is nothing to wait for. If the Tokyo Paralympic Games had taken place this August, I would certainly have tried and still played sports. But when they were postponed … it showed that sport is not for life. It is a part of life. The part where it doesn’t hurt, when you feel psychologically comfortable, is also important. I think these things are also important. That decision was difficult to make. I thought about it for a long time. On the one hand, I’m a little sorry, but on the other hand, I’ll be calmer if I admit that I did what I could, that I contributed as much as I could.
– What kind of team do you see without you?
– I do not know. There are potential players who can also demonstrate that it is worth playing. I don’t think there is anything much worse if I’m not in those ranges. Once upon a time, I also had a chance. When a player gains confidence, is released on the court and success is accompanied on the court, then the player himself begins to have self-confidence. Then things start to get better, the player reveals himself.
– Will there be a farewell to the team?
– Probably not, because I’m not a fan of those things.
– Similarly, said Mindaugas Suchovejus, who finished his career last year. As if leaving the opportunity to return …
– I think some kind of opportunity is necessary for a person. Allowing yourself to return is as important as making the decision to leave. I don’t rule that out and I don’t know how life can turn out. Maybe after a while everything will look completely different.
– You have been playing golf for twelve years. What moment was the happiest?
– The happiest moments for me are going out to the field and taking the team out of difficult situations. For me, these are the most important moments. Not even the euphoric ones when you earn gold. They are also very important and evoke wonderful memories, but the funniest moments for me were when the coach trusted difficult situations and put him on the field, saying, “Go Mantai, I trust you.” And when I was lucky when I weighed the score …
These are just priceless moments. He has given experience, confidence in sports and life in general. I will always remember that. What I liked the most was helping the team when I needed it, instead of just going out on the field when things were going well and saying: here I am contributing a few more points, I am also amazing (laughs).
– Whats Next?
I have to calmly decide what I want from life, what I want to do. I don’t want to rush and push myself. One thing I am thinking about is that I want to find a job that satisfies me where I can perform. I would still like to move around hobbyist, play sports. Sit back and do nothing, not my way. I really like walking, I walk 10-12 miles a day. I really like to go and not think about anything. The family supports me a lot. Wife’s support has helped and continues to help. She understands me and knows what I have been through, what is important to me and who I am.
The main achievements of Mantas Panovo:
2009 European Gold Championship
2010 gold world cup
2013 European Gold Championship
2015 European Bronze Championship
2016 Paralympic Gold
2019 European Bronze Championship
Valdas Gecevičius, coach of the Lithuanian national soccer team:
“Manto’s decision was very unexpected. Especially at a time when the Tokyo Paralympic Games are waiting. He was one of the team leaders and played very well last season. His team really needed it, there are no languages here. Like I mean, we will not play three against two. Of course, someone will have to take Manto’s place. Still, one team leader is one team leader. It will take time for another to emerge. To this day, this is a great one. loss for the Lithuanian national team. I told Mantas that he would always be welcome. “
Paulius Kalvelis, Secretary General of the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee:
“The news is unexpected, but we must respect Manto’s decision. His role in the national team in recent years has been obvious: the role of leader. Mantas has given golf many years and health, given our sports fans many Positive emotions. We sincerely thank Mantas for this and wish him good luck. Coach Valdas Gecevičius and the entire team face a considerable challenge in realigning the game, but I believe that in the years leading up to the Paralympic Games we will succeed together. “
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