KOCHI: The Wrestling Federation of India, engaged in a hot chase for foreign coaches, is going the extra mile to ensure that they get the right candidates to train grapplers ahead of this year’s World Championship.
The apex wrestling body has decided not to consider coaches who can’t give demonstrations for the job, and are also seeking tech-savvy taskmasters who could monitor performances of rival players online. These conditions were conveyed to office-bearers of various national federations so that they could help prepare a panel of coaches, which in turn could be submitted to the Sports Authority of India for final ratification. “No matter how skilled coaches are, if they can’t demonstrate moves to players, then their appointment doesn’t make sense.
That’s why we’re seeking talented coaches who’re fit enough to show techniques to the trainees,” said a senior WFI office-bearer.
As per sources, the performance of a former Greco-Roman foreign coach was the reason for the decision. “He was not fit to show players various tricks and techniques. We had noticed that shortcoming,” sources said. It’s also been learned that WFI has entered advanced talk with Iranians over appointing a prominent coach from there as a Greco-Roman trainer.
Meanwhile, the men’s freestyle coach, Vladimir Mestvirishvili, has been cleared for an extended contract.
shan.as@newindianexpress.com