‘Coach, athlete should have same goals’
low to excel in major competitions?
Since the focus was major international competitions, domestic events took a back seat. We participated in national events, but didn’t push hard, or maintained an average performance. At the same time, efforts were made to peak at the right time in big international competitions, say from May to August/september when they were held in Europe. These days the majority of the top athletes do well at the national level, but slip in major international meets.
You have started an academy (near Bengaluru). What are the criteria to select trainees?
Raw talent or someone who has just started running or jumping. We don’t scout talent from among the group of athletes who have three-four years’ experience. It’s easier to shape raw talent as per your system.
Many potential juniors aren’t able to graduate to the senior level… One of the major reasons is too much, too soon. Another reason is young athletes start doing specialised training, or the coaches make them do specific training, from a young age, which is detrimental in the long run. Of course, many take the short cut (dope) to win medals and then suddenly vanish from competition.
What’s your concept of training or coaching?
Multi-discipline training for young athletes—sprints, jumps and hurdles. It should be fun and play. Serious or specialised training should start after the age of 16 or 17 depending on individual talent and tempera
ment.
At many forums there is consensus that India has a lot of talent.
I too believe there is lot of talent, but there has to be an equally good coaching pattern to nurture athletes with potential.
What do you mean by good coaching pattern?
The coaches should regularly update themselves to have an in-depth knowledge of the discipline as the technique and training is constantly changing from one major global event to another. If the coaches aren’t aware of the new technique or system, the athlete’s development could be slow despite hard training. Coaches also should get ample exposure like the athletes to have a better understanding of what is happening at world level.