Indian archery coach Baek Woong Ki lashes out on IOA after being denied accreditation for Paris Olympics 2024
In a major blow to the Indian archery team, coach Baek Woong Ki, has announced that he won't be continuing his contract with India after its expiry on 30th August 30. Woong Ki took the decision when hewas denied accreditation for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Upon reaching the French Capital for the big event, Woong Ki came to know that he had been removed from the coaching duties of the archery team. He was with the team in their training at Marseille in France, but as soon as the team reached Paris, the news broke down, and at a critical moment, the Indian archery team found themselves without a coach in France.
“I am a Korean coach who signed a contract to prepare (the Indian archers) for the Paris Olympics. But at a critical time, I was removed from the Olympic coaching role and my flight schedule told me to return home,” Woong Ki was quoted as saying by Sportstar as he was scheduled to travel back to India.
For the time being, he was staying in a hotel in Paris waiting for his Games accreditation.
“I have a contract until August 30th and I signed it for the purpose of the Paris Olympics 2024. I plan to arrive at Sonipat and calmly prepare for the formalities of entering Korea,” Woong Ki said while making it clear that he won't be renewing his contract.
“I have been training them (Indian archers) for two years to win a medal at the Paris Olympics. However, foreign coaches were excluded due to the IOA’s poor and hasty administration. Then I don’t know why they invested money to appoint a Korean coach. More importantly, it’s hitting a major notch just days before the Olympics. I can’t stay near the Olympic practice or competition venues,” said Woong Ki.
Baek Woong Ki was associated with the team for two years, and under his guidance, the team was preparing for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Baek Woong Ki gives His verdict for Indian archers in Paris Olympics 2024
As Woong Ki leaves Paris and the Indian camp, he gives his honest verdict regarding the Indian archers.
“I can’t guarantee it. Korean archers are strong in competition. If Korea and India play in the final, there is a 90% chance they will lose, but if I enter the coach’s box, the Korean archers will feel more tension and pressure because of me. Therefore, India’s chances of winning increase,” said Woong Ki.
“While preparing for the Olympics, I instilled in my archers the practice of avoiding and dealing with situations that may arise during competition. I have experience in the Olympics, having won four gold medals and one silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics," added Woong Ki while explaining his coaching techniques with the Indian Archers.
Baek Woong Ki mentioned that the psychological advantage always helps the archers at a big event like the Olympics. According to Woong Ki, It is the responsibility of a coach to create pressure on the opposition.
“A coach who only calls out scores will miss something important at a critical time. This is a very important time. For the first time in 12 years, India has the opportunity to have three men’s and three women’s teams participating at the same time, which is a good opportunity to win a medal. I will pray for Indian archers to win a medal,” said Woong Ki while signing off.