Vijender Singh believes athletes well within their rights to ask for personal coaches at the Olympics
Former Indian boxer, Vijender Singh, is the latest to express his views on the debate surrounding Olympians opting for personal coaches. India’s 117-member contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics includes several athletes who have opted for personal coaches. There are national coaches across several disciplines thus a need for personal coaches has caused a debate.
The boxer-turned-politician believes that the never-ending debate on the issue is pointless. Singh is of the view that athletes should take their personal coaches along to the Summer Games if necessary.
"Definitely, it is necessary. When I used to box (in amateur circuit) we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches, and the sparring partners we wanted," Vijender Singh told PTI .
The 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medalist feels one of the contributors behind his many achievements is the freedom he got. The 38-year-old has had an illustrious career with plenty of silverware to show. He feels a player’s demands must be respected for them to be successful athletes.
"They (authorities) said 'we'll give you what you want but we need the performance’. Between 2006 and 2012, I performed and won almost everywhere. So I feel the demands of the players in the training camp need to be fulfilled," said Vijender.
Vijender Singh thinks the growth of social media has helped athletes being heard
Vijender Singh also shared his views on the impact social media has had in the world of sports. With several social media platforms accessible, the Arjuna awardee feels athletes need not worry about their grievances not being heard.
“The facilities have improved from my time. These days we have the power of the internet on our phones, so things get viral very easily. People or athletes can share their pain on social media and expect to be heard if they tag the right people," he said.
India’s Olympic contingent in Paris features 140 members of the support staff. 72 of which are being fully financed by the Indian government. This number primarily includes the personal coaches of several athletes.