IOA Under Fire for Coach and Support Staff Issues Ahead of Paris Olympics

IOA Faces Scrutiny Over Coach and Support Staff Issues Ahead of Paris Olympics

With just days remaining before the start of the Paris Olympics, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is facing criticism over administrative issues involving coaches and support staff for the Indian contingent. Despite clearing a jumbo 256-member contingent, several concerns have emerged.

One of the most notable omissions is South Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been instrumental in the team's impressive results and qualification for the Olympics. The Archery Association of India has expressed surprise at his exclusion, stating that they had submitted his name along with five other support staff members.

Wrestler Antim Panghal has also raised concerns, claiming that her coach and physio have yet to receive visas due to delays by IOA officials. IOA president PT Usha has defended the association's actions, stating that they have been "proactive" in obtaining accreditations and visas for coaches and support staff.

However, Usha has blamed the ad-hoc committee that governed wrestling until March 18 for not recommending Antim's support personnel in the long list. The committee's former chairman, Bhupinder Bajwa, has expressed surprise at this accusation, stating that the WFI took over after the ad-hoc committee's departure and that the names of Vinesh Phogat's coach and support staff were included in the long list despite her qualifying only in April.

Despite IOA's efforts to accommodate personal coaches, trainers, and physios of several top athletes, some disciplines have more support staff members than athletes. This has led to concerns about the allocation of resources and the potential impact on the performance of the team.

IOA has cleared 68 coaches and 50 support staff for 117 athletes, with a ratio of slightly better than 1:1. However, a large number of support staff will stay outside the Games Village and have limited access to venues.

The IOA has included seven personal support staff members in wrestling in the 'non-accredited' category, including Antim's coach, sparring partner, and physio. However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the team's performance.

Tags: #IOA, #ParisOlympics, #Coaches, #SupportStaff, #Archery