WHEN CHAMPIONS BEGET CHAMPIONS
A top-notch player who has gone on to become a top-notch coach is a rare breed. ››
MUMBAI: There are some who think that a coach is something that gets you to a stadium but most understand how difficult the job is. Your job ends when the players’ begin. You absorb pressure and criticism and pass on all the glory to the players.
Things get even more complicated when a champion player becomes a coach. A top-notch player who has gone onto become a top-notch coach is usually ar are breed. From Liverpool legend Kenn yD a lg li sh to German great Franz Beckenbauer, there has been only a few who have been successful in both phases of their careers. Tennis legend Jimmy Connors was associated with Andy Roddick for around 19 months but failed to bring home a single Grand Slam despite winning eight in his playing career. And he isn’t alone. That makes Rahul Dravid’s work with the India U-19 team worth its weight in gold. We take a look at some others who were champions and are now producing champions.
PULLELA GOPIC HAND (BADMINTON)
That as port has becomes synonymous with a person is probably the most telling comment about his contribution. He became only the second Indian to win the All England Open, in 2001. However, years on, his on-court exploits aren’ t just why Go pi chan dis recognised by the sports fraternity. From producing Olympic medallists such a sS ai na Nehwa land P VS ind hut oK ida mb iS rik an th, who won four Super Series titles and made five finals last year, nearly every top-ranked Indian has been under his tutelage at some point in time.
CHANDGIRAM (WRESTLING)
Those who scoffed at wrestler Ma ha vi rP hog at when he took his daughters to the ‘akhadas’ to fight boys were perhaps not aware of the veteran’s past. For Phogat was only following in mentor Chandg iR am’ s foot steps. Ram’s daughter Sonika Kalira- man went on to become India’s first female wrestler perhaps paving the path for Phogat’s daughters Geeta and Babita. Chandg iR am’ s‘akh ada’ was the first training centre for women’s wrestling.
Chandgi Ram was agoldm edall is tat the 1970 Asian Games. He died in 2010 aged 73.
MANOJKOTHARI (CUESPORTS)
For Sour avKothari,o ne of the top names in the Indian cue sports, the inspiration came from none other than father Manoj. A former world billiards champion, Manoj had a glittering career. After retiring, he become one of India’s finest coaches and was even appointed India’s chief national cue sports coach. Ko thar i’ s wards include multiple world champion Pankaj Ad va ni.
These boys are far more talented and aware than we were in our younger days. I see a future star in Shubman. He has to keep a steady head. › KAPIL DEV, Former India skipper To our youngsters, your beautiful journey has just begun; continue to give your best and enjoy the game above all. Good luck and have a wonderful career.
SACHIN TENDULKAR