What could be the reason for Satwik/Chirag’s early ouster from the Paris Olympics? For a team that was expected to be sure-shot medal winners for India, lost in the quarter-final encounter against Malaysians Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in three games. The script did not go as expected as the they failed yet again, after failure at Tokyo 2020. Their ex-coach, Denmark’s Mathias Boe spoke to InsideSport exclusively, on what went wrong, their future as a team, and also who should coach them next.
What is your assessment on Satwik/Chirag losing their quarter in Paris Olympics?
There’s was a lot of pressure. There’s was a lot of expectations, mainly from themselves. They knew they had a good chance and of course, there was also pressure from the entire population. That’s how it is at the Olympic Games. This pressure is humongous and it can be very, very difficult to handle. And I feel that’s also what we saw there. It was a quarterfinal, and they weren’t at their 100% best, and they faced the consequences against the Malaysian pair.
Did you have any message or advice for them, on your way out?
I tried to encourage them as much as possible. Of course, they were really disheartened, and what has happened cannot be changed now. We knew what the pitfalls were, and that hurt us. We were prepared for it, but it’s so much easier said than done. Emotions are extremely, extremely difficult to handle. And there is not really any excuse. We know what was coming. But in the world of sport, this kind of pressure is very, very tough.
Could you describe what is the pressure that you went through as a coach?
I think there is pressure on everyone. If they win, they get most of the credits. Of course, I also get the credit when they win. And it’s also only fair that I take the criticism. If they lose, it’s my responsibility. So yeah, as I said, I’m sad that we couldn’t fulfill it. There has also been funds that were allocated for my salary that didn’t end up in an Olympic medal. So of course, I also feel the pressure. And of course, as a coach, you need to take that responsibility on your shoulders also. But I know personally, that I have done my best.
My head is high. I can look everyone in the eyes and tell them that I have done my part and my best. So I’ve given them all. I’m proud of that. But yeah, as of course, it always sucks to lose. It always hurts to lose.
Who do you think should be coaching Satwik/Chirag now?
Don’t think there are that many really, really good coaches out there in India. So, that is the issue. I still feel for them that they should try and get a foreign coach. Have also had a conversation with them. I have also mentioned a name to them. And so that is something that they have to to speak to SAI and of course BAI about if it’s possible. Even it’s not it’s not always the easiest for a foreign coach to to come to India and do the coaching also. So it’s these things are there. But yeah, I can’t reveal the name right now, and we have to wait for the right time.
How was the experience of the Olympics Village?
It’s probably the most exclusive invitation you can get in the world. Sadly, you’re not treated that way one feels from outside, you would be. I mean, it is around 15,000 people there. It is very cramped together. It is not as good as normal standard for athletes. It’s definitely not five star. I’d say food. it’s bland, but they have to make it bland because they can’t serve too spicy food for a reason. You can always add spices as per your own preference.
Having said that, the experience of the city is, more like, you soak in the atmosphere. You walk there, you see all athletes, everyone is well built, everyone is ready, everyone is participating. Great atmosphere, a lot of different nationalities. So all that excitement and all that energy is definitely there. So that is really something that is extremely special. You don’t see it in other places, in other events.
What are your plans after retirement?
I bought a big house in Denmark. So right now, I’m trying to set that up. So right now, it’s about getting this house ready. After that, I will just try and relax a little bit. I’ll travel with my wife. She’s going to shoot some movies. So I’ll travel to India. I’ll spend a little time in Dubai. I’ll just get settled and then see what life brings. Now, I’m just looking forward to getting this house sorted. My parents are staying in it. I’ll also spend some time with my family in my hometown. Later we’ll see what the future brings. Right now, it’s just this.
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