SAI appoints 14 Olympians and Paralympians as coaches

In a move that promises to empower both elite sportspersons and young athletes, the Sports Authority of India has appointed 11 Olympians and 3 Paralympians as coaches and assistant coaches. These appointments have been made with an effort to ensure that experienced and elite sportspersons continue to contribute to the progress of sport in the country during their tenure as active sportspersons and even after they retire. The appointments as the regular staff of SAI will secure the sportspersons financially, while allowing them to continue with their regular training and participation in competitions. Retired sportspersons who have been appointed will take on coaching jobs with immediate effect. Speaking about the appointments, Ms.

Neelam Kapur, DG SAI, said, “This is our way of acknowledging the contribution made by these sportspersons to the country. We want sportspersons who have represented the country in the most competitive, elite events of the world, to be associated with sports throughout their professional careers and even after they retire. We want to harness their vast experience towards training young, prospective medal winners.” Mariyappen T, Athletics who won a gold for India in high jump in Paralympics 2016 has been offered a Group A post as coach. 11 Olympians and 2 Para Olympians have been offered Group B post as Assistant Coaches. All appointed coaches will join on January 5, 2019.