KOLKATA: Bedros Bedrosian, five-time Romanian national triple jump champion and former coach of Saudi Arabia’s Asian record holder Mohammed al Khuwalidi, has been appointed India’s coach. The former triple jump World Championship finalist was given a one-year contract on September 10.
His immediate task is identifying a pool who could qualify for Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year. The 60-year-old wants to work on technique so that his wards can attain qualifying marks. “Indians are hard working and determined. But they are slow in the run-up and there are glitches in technique. If that’s rectified, they can reach the world level,” he told Express.
Bedros was instrumental in shaping up the career of Al Khuwalidi as well as Hussain all Sabee, another Saudi athlete, who won silver in the 2003 IAAF World Athletics final. His coaching career started in 1985 with the Romanian side. He has also had stints in Qatar, Oman and Dominican Republic.
Bedros said Indians are better than what people may think about them. “Some of them are amazing. For example, triple jumper Arpinder Singh. He’s strong and mentally tough. I would like to see him clear 17.50m because he can do that. It won’t fetch him a medal in Rio, but place him among the best eight.”
From long jumpers Ankit Sharma and K Premkumar, Bedros has high hopes. “Ankit is physically stronger while Prem is quick in run-up. If they can enhance these qualities, they can clear 8.20m, which is well beyond the qualifying mark.”
However, he felt Indians need to adapt to technical changes happening around the globe. “They still try to have a high flight after take-off. That’s outdated,” he opined.
They need to learn more about jumping in a reasonable height so that they need not compromise on their run-up speed. If you don’t qualify for the final of an Olympic event, you’re not an athlete. That’s my opinion,” he added.