The absence of coaches, KM Binu and Lijo David, from the national preparatory camp, could have serious implications for the men's 400m team preparing for the London Games.
The two coaches have been deputed to guide the country's top quarter-milers for upcoming international meets, but they are yet to report for the camp.
A senior coach said on condition of anonymity that the men's 400m squad, already under pressure to deliver, is losing precious training days.
"Though the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) has appointed a foreign coach, language is proving to be a barrier," said the coach. Of the dozen or so short-listed for the camp, only a few have reported so far. In the current situation, the AFI might not be able to field a medal-winning 400m team.
It may be noted that the two Indian coaches do not have much coaching experience. They have been good international athletes but they don't have the required experience to train athletes.