The modern level of sport is extremely high—every discipline works hand in hand with science.
Today, physical culture and sport have become an integral part of everyday life. Some people include physical activity in their schedule to feel good and stay healthy, while others train and compete to experience emotions, adrenaline, and the thrill of victory.
That is why we can view physical activity and sport not as a goal in themselves, but as a tool—a tool for achieving our objectives.
In our work with Boars Gaming, the goal was to enhance both cognitive and physical performance, increase reaction speed and coordination, and build strong team spirit.
The co-owner of the esports club, Iryna Barysheva, created top-level conditions to prepare the team for the World Championship.
Our training camp took place on the Adriatic coast in Budva, surrounded by the picturesque green mountains of Montenegro.
Daily physical activity was a mandatory part of our preparation plan.
We incorporated various sports into the program, including volleyball, football, badminton, stretching, and, of course, boxing. Every day we walked 12 km at a brisk pace, performed general conditioning exercises, running drills, stretching, and breathing exercises. We also focused heavily on coordination and reaction speed drills.
Our program included endurance training days, which helped the girls understand that limits do not truly exist—most boundaries are only in our minds. We simply need to give the right command to our brain. During this work, the girls demonstrated tremendous willpower and character.
Nutrition and hydration were also essential components.
Balanced, timely meals with sufficient vitamins, minerals, micro- and macronutrients, and the proper ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates allowed us to conduct both physical and esports training sessions at a high level according to schedule.
Recovery, quality sleep, and rest were carefully monitored.
Our program also included mandatory rest days, meditation, excursions, and free time, which helped maintain a healthy psycho-emotional state.
When we began preparation, it was a challenge for everyone. As a coach of national boxing and kickboxing teams, I am used to working with athletes at the edge of their capabilities. Here, however, the task was different—to bring them to peak performance while teaching them something new and unfamiliar. Each girl had a different psychotype, anthropometric data, and temperament, so it was necessary to adapt, find common ground, and discover each individual’s strengths.
Thanks to our coordinated work with the Esports Federation, led by Denys Davydov, Iryna Barysheva, and the club Boars Gaming, we built a united team that took 3rd place at the World Championship held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Esports athletes understand that the body is your main device. If it “lags” due to back pain or fatigue, your skill level inevitably drops.
If the body is not accustomed to physical load, it perceives in-game stress as a real threat, leading to trembling hands and tunnel vision. Sport helps the body utilize stress hormones more efficiently, allowing you to remain a “cold-blooded captain” when everything goes off plan.
Esports is a marathon, not a sprint. Those who invest in their bodies today will be lifting trophies when their peers have long since left the professional scene.
I consider this approach to preparation—and the team’s result—a breakthrough for Ukrainian esports on the world stage. And I am very proud to have been part of it.
Extend your arm forward, palm up. With your other hand, gently pull your fingers down toward the floor. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat with the palm facing down.
Result: Relieves tension in the wrist that constantly holds a mouse or gamepad.
Clasp your hands behind your back. Straighten your arms and squeeze your shoulder blades together, pushing your chest forward.
Result: Counteracts the “shrimp posture” (slouching) common when sitting at a monitor.
Slowly tilt your head toward your right shoulder, then toward your left, and then bring your chin down to your chest.
Important: Avoid sudden movements and do not throw your head far back.
Result: Improves blood flow to the head and relieves tension.
Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
Result: Prevents eye strain and loss of focus.
Get on your elbows and toes, keeping your body in a straight line. Try to hold for at least 45–60 seconds.
Result: Strengthens the core (abdominal and back muscles), helping maintain proper posture during gameplay.
Innа Lytvyn
Master of Olympic and Professional Sport
World Champion and three-time European Championship medalist in Boxing
International Master of Sport in Boxing
