It is learned that Hohn had demanded a 50 percent hike in his salary.
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Former world record holder and national javelin coach Uwe Hohn will not see a contract extension after Tokyo Olympics. The 59-year-old German was appointed as chief coach in November 2017 for one year to train Neeraj Chopra, other Tokyo Olympians Shivpal Singh, and Annu Rani.
“He (Hohn) is on his way out. His contract is unlikely to be extended by SAI (Sports Authority of India).” a source privy to the development told PTI.
It is learned that Hohn had demanded a 50 percent hike in his salary, which is to be tax-free, besides first class air tickets. His original contract was worth Rs 1.09 crore a year, plus boarding, lodging, medical facilities and leave travel. He wanted to increase it to Rs 1.64 crore a year when the contract would be renewed.
“SAI in 2020 had informed him that his demands were unreasonable and unacceptable. The result of the throwers he was training did not warrant an increase of Rs 55 lakh.” Sources in the SAI said.
SAI had also pointed out that it had appointed another foreign javelin throw coach, biomechanics expert Dr Klaus Bartonietz at considerable expense on the recommendation of the Athletics Federation of India. Hohn was with Chopra for around a year from the time of his appointment till the 2018 Asian Games.
The AFI has made it clear it was Chopra’s choice to leave Hohn and train with Klaus. Chopra said that though he respects Hohn, the German’s training methods and technical approach were not to his liking.
“I respect Hohn sir, I won gold in the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games under him. But his technical approach and style of training were different. I told him that I want to work with Klaus sir,” Chopra said on Tuesday at the felicitation function.
“His (Klaus’) training plans were good and suited me. He plans training according to the body of the athlete. He has also worked with a lot of athletes in different countries.”
Sources said Hohn had decided to renew the contract in October 2020 at existing terms and was training Shivpal, who failed to qualify for the finals. Rani, who also didn’t make it to the finals of the Tokyo Olympics, refused to train with Hohn.
