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 (SAI) on Friday appointed 11 Olympians and three Para Olympians as Coaches and Assistant Coaches.

The appointments have been made with an effort to ensure that experienced and elite sportspersons can continue to contribute to the progress of sport in the country during their tenure as active sportspersons and even after they retire. This will also secure the sportspersons financially while allowing them to continue with their regular training and participation in competitions.

Neelam Kapur, Directorate-General of 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, who won a gold in the high jump in Para Olympics 2016, has been offered a Group A post as coach.

Meanwhile, 11 Olympians and remaining two Para Olympians, who have been offered Group B post as Assistant Coaches, includes:

Ashwini Akkunji Chidananda(Athletics Rio 2016- 4X400m relay)

Jincy Philip Athletics (Sydney 2000- 4X400m relay)

Surendra Singh (Athletics Beijing 2008 - 10000m)

Inderpal Singh (Water Sports Sydney 2000 - Rowing)

Majhi Sawaiyan (Archery Athens 2004 - Archery)

Jaisha.O.P (Athletics Rio 2016 - Marathon)

Savita Punia (Hockey Rio 2016 - Hockey)

Debashri Mazumdar (Athletics Rio 2016 - 400 and 4X400 m relay)

Muhammed Anas Y (Athletics Rio 2016 - 400 and 4X400 m relay)

Gopi T (Athletics Rio 2016- Marathon)

Ram Singh Yadav (Athletics London 2012- Marathon Paralympian)

Sharad Kumar (Athletics Rio 2016- High Jump)

Ankur Dhama (Athletics Rio 2016- 1500mtr).

All the appointed coaches have been asked to join on January 5, while retired sportspersons will take on coaching jobs with immediate effect.