The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is on the hunt for a new foreign coach following a disappointing performance by Indian boxers at the Paris Olympics. All six Indian pugilists, including reigning world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, returned home without a medal, a stark contrast to the bronze medal won by Borgohain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The BFI has publicly announced its search for a new coach, highlighting the importance of achieving top results in upcoming competitions such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. The ideal candidate, according to the BFI, will possess extensive boxing qualifications, a history of success with elite or youth national teams, and a proven track record of producing medalists at major international events. Furthermore, the coach should be physically fit to demonstrate techniques to the athletes.
Despite the search for a new coach, the current foreign coach, Dmitry Dmitruk, who was appointed in February 2023, will remain in his position until the end of his two-year contract. This move suggests that the BFI is looking for a long-term solution to improve the team’s performance, recognizing the importance of continuity and stability within the coaching staff.
The search for a new coach comes at a time when Indian boxing has witnessed significant changes in recent years. Since the Tokyo Olympics, there have been several coaching appointments and resignations, including the departure of women’s High Performance Director Raffaele Bergamasco and men’s HPD Santiago Nieva. Coaching positions have also seen several changes, with Narendra Rana and CA Kuttapa both taking on and relinquishing the role of men’s head coach. The tumultuous coaching environment has clearly had an impact on the team’s performance, further emphasizing the need for a stable and experienced coach.
The BFI will undoubtedly analyze the reasons behind the team’s disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, hoping to learn from their mistakes and implement changes that will lead to greater success in the future. This analysis, combined with the appointment of a new coach, represents a significant step towards rebuilding the Indian boxing team and ensuring its future success on the international stage.
