Indian archery coach Baek Woong Ki, a renowned Korean coach who has been with the Indian archery team for over a year, has expressed outrage and disappointment. He was denied accreditation for the Paris Olympics. Despite playing a pivotal role in preparing the Indian archers for the Games, Woong Ki will not extend his contract after it expires on August 30.
Baek Woong Ki’s coaching experience
Woong Ki’s Olympic experience, having guided South Korea to two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, was seen as crucial for India’s medal chances. His exclusion from the coaching role raises questions about the administration’s priorities. The psychological pressure at the Olympics is immense, and a coach’s role becomes crucial in creating a stable environment for the archers. Woong Ki’s absence may impact India’s performance, especially against strong opponents like South Korea.
The IOA has cleared several personal coaches and support staff in other disciplines, but Woong Ki’s exclusion has raised questions about the administration’s priorities. The coach feels that the investment in a Korean coach is pointless if he is not allowed to participate in the Olympics.
Woong Ki has been instrumental in shaping the Indian archery team and has instilled in them the practice of dealing with competition pressures. He believes that the psychological pressure at the Olympics is immense, and a coach’s role becomes crucial in creating a stable environment for the archers.
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗶 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗻𝘂𝗯.
Renowned South Korean coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been instrumental in training the Indian archery team for the Paris Olympics, has expressed feeling… pic.twitter.com/0eMzZiAXey
— Pahadi Brothers Sports (@Sportsbypahadi) July 20, 2024
India will be represented by six archers at the Paris Olympics, which will take place from July 26 to August 11. Woong Ki’s absence highlights the challenges faced by athletes and coaches alike, emphasizing the importance of effective administration and support in achieving sporting success.
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