Olympic gold medalist Chopra was under Hohn’s supervision at the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games before being replaced by Klaus Bartonietz.
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The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) announced the end of their relationship with national head javelin coach Uwe Hohn on Monday (September 13), stating that they are “not happy” with his performance and will shortly appoint two new foreign coaches. The 59-year-old German, a former world record holder, had a contract that ran through the end of the Tokyo Olympics. AFI President Adille Sumariwalla spoke at a press conference held at the conclusion of the federation’s two-day executive council meeting, which also included AFI planning committee chairman Lalit K Bhanot and vice-president Anju Bobby George. In November 2017, Hohn was named the main coach for a one-year contract to teach Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and two additional Tokyo Olympians, Shivpal Singh and Annu Rani.
“We are bringing two more coaches and we are changing Uwe Hohn as we are not happy with his performance. We are looking for a foreign coach for Toor (shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor),” said the AFI president.
During the meeting, a number of topics were discussed in depth, including the redesign of the AFI’s junior (grassroots development) programme, the introduction of build-up tournaments for top international events such as the world championships and the Olympics, and a complete overhaul of the AFI’s coaching programme, particularly for juniors.
“To reach the next level, we have to redesign the junior programme, how to do talent identification better to improve it further, we held discussions with athletes and coaches, both former and present athletes from all states,” Sumariwalla added.
Olympic gold medalist Chopra was under Hohn’s supervision at the 2018 Commonwealth and Asian Games before being replaced by another German, Klaus Bartonietz. Before the Olympics, Hohn caused a stir by saying that the Sports Authority of India and AFI had coerced him into accepting his contract. The charge had been dismissed by both bodies.
“Athletes need more competitions, this is mainly for seniors to prepare for larger competitions. Next year we have a tight calendar – with the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games,” the AFI president continued. “Athletes need competition in preparatory period so that their bodies remain in good nick. So the plan is to introduce build-up competitions at the zonal level so that athletes don’t have to travel far,” he added.
According to the AFI, the coach education programme will be completely overhauled in the near future, with the introduction of a certification course including World Athletics, the sport’s worldwide governing body.
“We have decided to bring in foreign caches in junior too to strengthen their foundation and basics. Apart from inter-district, we have to identify pockets in every states, how to bring them, what should be the parameters…Also, there will be an open national event for the next five years in Jamshedpur. We need experienced coaches who have produced world champions and Olympic champions, with all the latest knowledge. Our coaches will also work alongside the foreign coaches. In last one year we have already developed 650 coaches and 1500 in pre level across various levels,” Sumariwalla concluded.
