Vijay Kumar, an silver medalist from the London 2012 Games, believes that both personal and national coaches play crucial roles in an athlete’s success. With the Paris Olympic 2024 Match approaching, Kumar’s insights into the debate over coaching roles are timely and relevant.
Personal and National Coaches: An Equal Contribution
Vijay Kumar, who clinched a surprise silver medal in rapid-fire pistol at the 2012 London Olympics, asserts that personal coaches deserve equal recognition alongside national coaches. “Personal coaches should also get due weightage. They play a pivotal role in bringing athletes to the required level,” Kumar explained. He emphasized that both types of coaches contribute significantly, with personal coaches laying the groundwork and national coaches providing the final push.
Role of Personal Coaches
The trend of athletes choosing personal coaches is gaining traction, particularly as the Paris Games draw near. Manu Bhaker, a medal hopeful in pistol shooting, has chosen the legendary Jaspal Rana as her personal coach. Similarly, rifle shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar trains with former Olympian Joydeep Karmakar, although Karmakar will not be accompanying Tomar to the Games. Kumar supports this trend, stating that personal coaches’ contributions are crucial in developing an athlete’s skills and performance.
National Coaches: Providing the Extra Push
Kumar, now a DSP with Himachal Police, acknowledged the role of national coaches in giving athletes the final push needed for success. “National coaches provide that extra bump in scores and help athletes handle pressure in international competitions,” he said. This additional support is essential for refining the skills and mental toughness needed at the highest levels of sport.
Need for Experienced Coaches
Kumar advocates for the appointment of coaches with proven international experience. “The federation should appoint coaches who have performed at the international level and won medals. They can impart valuable lessons on handling high-pressure situations and refining techniques,” he advised. His experience highlights the importance of having knowledgeable coaches who understand the demands of top-level competitions.
Concerns Over Preparation and Planning
Kumar expressed concerns about the Indian shooting team’s preparation for the Paris Olympic 2024 Match. He believes that a clear roadmap should have been established six months before the Games. “The focus should have been on how to make players more focused, the extent of their training, and the need for foreign exposure,” he stated. Kumar criticized the late announcement of the team and selection trials, suggesting that these should have been completed much earlier to allow for adequate preparation.
The Importance of Timely Selection Trials
Kumar pointed out that the timing of selection trials and team announcements is critical. “The trials and team announcements should have been completed by January or February, not April,” he said. The delay in these processes left shooters with less time for rest and specialized training before the Games.
Fitness and Mental Training: A Personal Perspective
The role of fitness and mental trainers in sports has become increasingly prominent. However, Kumar remains skeptical about their effectiveness. “I’m 50:50 convinced about the need for fitness and mental trainers,” he said. Kumar believes that the competitive edge often comes from an athlete’s environment and upbringing rather than external training methods.
The Role of Environment in Athlete Development
Kumar credits his success to his upbringing in the Army, which provided him with a competitive edge and a strong foundation. “The environment a kid grows up in has a profound effect on their mindset,” he noted. Kumar’s time at the Army Marksmanship Unit, surrounded by top shooters, played a crucial role in his development. He values the inspiration and push provided by being in the company of skilled shooters.
Conclusion
Vijay Kumar’s insights highlight the complex dynamics of coaching in athletics. Both personal and national coaches play vital roles in an athlete’s development. While personal coaches provide essential groundwork, national coaches offer the final adjustments needed for success. Kumar’s perspective on preparation, selection trials, and the importance of a supportive environment provides valuable lessons for future Olympic hopefuls.
By addressing these issues, the Indian shooting team can improve its approach and enhance its chances at the Paris Olympics 2024. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 Match from IPL365.
