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SAI orders fitness test for department coaches, but confusion prevails
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) issued a circular on July 14, informing its coaches to attend fitness test, which was later postpones. However, the sports ministry’s panel is unaware of the fitness test and its parameters
Lack of coordination between the five-member panel set up by sports ministry and coaching department of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has triggered a debate over the conduct of fitness test for department coaches, who are above the age of 50.
The SAI issued a circular on July 14, informing its coaches to attend fitness test on Thursday here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. On Tuesday, the trials were postponed. There were over 50 coaches in the first list.
Since the ministry’s panel is unaware of the fitness test and its parameters, it added to the confusion. A member of the panel said: “We are yet to receive government notification on the evaluation of coaches. The moment we get it, the criteria to evaluate the overall performance of the coaches will be formed.”
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The parameters listed in the circular, including endurance test (run/walk 800m) is expected to be revised.
In the last Governing Body meeting of SAI held here on March 28, under the chairmanship of sports minister Vijay Goel, it was decided to revamp the domestic coaching system. The coaching department of SAI had come under scanner as the ministry believes it isn’t productive in terms of overall performance of athletes. Therefore, a five-member panel was set up with BVP Rao, a former official of SAI, as its chief to streamline the existing system.
Rao, said he wouldn’t comment on the issue as the proposal is yet to get the nod of the government. “Let the minutes be approved then only I can speak to you on the subject,” he added.
Chief national coach in badminton Pullela Gopichand is also among the five-member panel.
