Javelin coach Hohn not happy with AFI, SAI

The 55-year-old Hohn,who is mentoring 10 javelin throwers including Neeraj Chopra, took charge as coach at the national camp here in November last year.

Published : Mar 07, 2018 16:00 IST , PATIALA

Javelin coach Uwe Hohn has, under his tutelage, Neeraj Chopra; India's medal prospect at this year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
Javelin coach Uwe Hohn has, under his tutelage, Neeraj Chopra; India's medal prospect at this year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
lightbox-info

Javelin coach Uwe Hohn has, under his tutelage, Neeraj Chopra; India's medal prospect at this year's Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

Just four months into the job, India’s javelin throw coach Uwe Hohn said he is fast losing his patience, thanks to dilly-dallying by the authorities on his demands for performance-based bonus and other perks.

The 55-year-old Hohn, the only javelin thrower in history to have crossed the 100m mark, took charge as coach at the national camp here in November last year but is feeling “annoyed” that the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and Sports Authority Of India (SAI) have not fulfilled their promises.

“I had decided to come here to help Indian athletics but it is not easy (to work) here. My salary is just basic, not much but it is all right. But I need to get a performance based bonus and other perks.

"There will have to be a system and these things will have to be taken care of. I have been promised a lot but nothing has been fulfilled,” he said.

“I have approached the AFI with these demands but I am not being heard properly. It is annoying,” he added.

Around 10 javelin throwers are training under Hohn and one of them, Neeraj Chopra, is a medal prospect in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

READ: Hohn feels Neeraj needs a few changes in technique

Among the perks and incentives Hohn wishes for is business class travel in long flights and enough equipments at the training camp. “You need to be rewarded for good work. Then I need to travel in better conditions," he stated before adding, "Moreover, I am not getting enough equipment and there is a delay. I don’t understand why these things are happening, it is not good."

Asked if he will quit in case his grievances are not addressed soon enough, he said, “I am yet to decide on that thing. I want to continue and complete my contract which is till 2020 Olympics. But I have to see if these (demands) are fulfilled by the AFI and SAI soon. I will see.”

READ:  Neeraj seeks personal best and medal at CWG

He said he would also want to have a 'proper training system' in place.

“I need an assistant coach and other staff. I also want to bring in more trainees. There is a lot of talent. It is not necessary that a javelin thrower will be called at national camp when he can throw 80m or near about. Those who can throw 75m should be called in,” Hohn said.

“The younger they come the better because that will minimise the mistake they commit. If you commit the mistakes for a long time, it is difficult to change it later.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment