WFI gets SAI's approval to appoint foreign coaches

Hossein Karimi of Iran, Temo Kazarashvili of Georgia and Andrew Cook of USA have been cleared as foreign coaches for National men’s freestyle, Greco Roman and women sides respectively.

Sports Authority of India approves of WFI's proposal to hire three foreign coaches for one year. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has got the Sports Authority of India's approval to hire three foreign coaches for one year.

Hossein Karimi of Iran, Temo Kazarashvili of Georgia and Andrew Cook of USA have been cleared as foreign coaches for National men’s freestyle, Greco Roman and women sides respectively.

“Their appointment is for one year and can be extended, depending on their performance,” said WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar on Saturday.

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Karimi was part of the Iranian coaching staff during the 2016 Olympics.

Kazarashvili, who was allegedly involved in corruption while officiating during the Rio Olympics, was an accomplished wrestler during 1970s and '80s and serves as a referee with the United World Wrestling.

Cook is associated with the USA under-23 side.

The trio will work with present Indian coaches, Jagminder Singh (freestyle), Kuldeep Singh (Greco Roman) and Kuldeep Malik (women). However, it may be difficult for the foreign coaches to join the squad before the World championships, starting in Budapest on October 20.