Indian women wrestlers, currently ensconced in the Paris Olympics Games Village, find themselves embroiled in a logistical nightmare. Rather than honing their skills for the upcoming competition, they are preoccupied with securing daily passes for their personal coaches and physios. This unexpected administrative burden has cast a shadow over their preparations.
While Vinesh Phogat, a seasoned campaigner, has her support staff settled in the village, other athletes like Antim Panghal, Anshu Malik, and Reetika Hooda are grappling with the absence of their personal coaches.
Despite having their names cleared for travel by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), these coaches are unable to access the Games Village without daily permits.
Clash of Priorities for Indian wrestlers
The situation has created a significant distraction for the athletes. A source close to the development revealed to PTI, “The wrestling event is just around the corner, and the athletes should be solely focused on training. Instead, they are entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, making calls and sending emails to arrange access for their coaches.”
The urgency of the matter is amplified by the impending start of the wrestling competition. With each passing day, the pressure to perform mounts, and the athletes can ill afford to be diverted by administrative issues.
National Coaches in Shadow?
Amidst this chaos, questions have been raised about the role of the national coaches. With experienced figures like Jagmander Singh and Virender Dahiya present, the reliance on personal coaches has puzzled some. An IOA official expressed concerns about the potential undermining of the national coaches’ roles.
However, the national coaches have chosen to remain focused on their duties, declining to comment on the matter.
Vinesh Phogat has been vocal about her preference for personal coaches, citing discomfort with those associated with the former Wrestling Federation of India chief.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the wrestling competition, the Indian contingent is navigating a complex interplay of personal preferences, bureaucratic challenges, and the relentless pursuit of Olympic glory.
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