Table of Contents
Athletes have every right to ask for personal coaches: Vijender Singh
Several Indian athletes have opted to take their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics despite the presence of national coaches across disciplines
Joining the never-ending debate on whether personal coaches are required in addition to the federation-appointed national coaches at global events, Olympic medal-winning boxer-turned-politician Vijender Singh sided with the athletes, saying that they have every right to ask for support staff of their choice.
Several Indian athletes have opted to take their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics, which began on July 26, despite the presence of national coaches across disciplines in the contingent, leading to a debate on whether such an arrangement is required.
Also read:Paris Olympics 2024 LIVE updates
"Definitely, it is necessary. When I used to box (in amateur circuit) we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches, and the sparring partners we wanted," Mr. Singh, who is a member of the ruling BJP, told PTI editors at its headquarters in an exclusive interaction here.
The 38-year-old Haryana boxer won a bagful of medals between 2006 and 2014, including a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, before turning professional.
Olympics opening ceremony gaffe: South Korea expresses ‘regret’; International Olympic Committee apologises
He also has to his credit, two silvers and a bronze at the Commonwealth Games, a gold and a bronze at the Asian Games and a silver and bronze at the Asian Championships.
"They (authorities) said 'we'll give you what you want but we need the performance'. And we delivered. Between 2006 and 2012, I performed and won almost everywhere. So I feel the demands of the players in the training camp need to be fulfilled." The Olympic contingent that has travelled to Paris features 140 support staff, of which 72 are being fully financed by the Indian government. This number mostly features the personal coaches that the athletes have demanded.
Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony | Paris unveils ultimate spectacle with pomp, fervour and splendour
Social Media made things easier for athletes
Mr. Singh spoke about the rise of social media which has changed the sporting landscape in the past decade. He feels it has made it easier for athletes to voice their concerns and anguish.
"The facilities have improved from my time. These days we have the power of the internet on our phones, so things get viral very easily. People or athletes can share their pain on social media and expect to be heard if they tag the right people," he said.
Destiny’s child, outlier, everyman: the many shades of P.R. Sreejesh
"We didn't have that power… there was no social media then. Social media is a huge power in the hands of the common man today. You can write about your problems on Instagram, Facebook, and people who are good they end up helping you."
Read Comments
- Copy link
- Telegram
READ LATER
Remove
SEE ALL
PRINT
Related stories
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Lady Gaga delivers dazzling performance during the opening ceremony
- Paris Olympics: The undisputed victor of Olympic shooting — Nilesh Rane’s Capapie
- Paris Olympics: The long road to equal participation at the Games
- Paris Olympics: India schedule on Day 1 — July 27, 2024
- Mass run held by Carmel school to celebrate Olympics
Related Topics
Olympics
/
Delhi
/
sports event