India’s overseas coach for badminton, Agus Dwi Santoso, says he will be unable to implement his plans with solely 4 shuttlers at his disposal, and desires the Sports activities Authority of India to permit extra gamers within the nationwide camp. He admitted that the COVID-19 scenario stays worrisome however stated they should adapt to it. The nodal sports activities physique had allowed the camp for eight Olympic hopefuls following approval from the Telangana authorities on August 1 however solely 4 are at the moment coaching on the SAI-Pullela Gopichand Academy.
“The present scenario remains to be a fear however we have now to adapt and stay with the virus. We now have been following the protocols of the federal government however I want extra gamers to implement my plans,” Santoso advised PTI.
He has been employed to work with the highest singles gamers. Out of the eight Olympic hopefuls, solely world champion PV Sindhu, B Sai Praneeth, girls’s doubles specialist Sikki Reddy and former world no. 1 Kidambi Srikanth are at the moment attending the camp.
Former world no. 1 Saina Nehwal has nonetheless not joined the nationwide camp and is coaching at a separate facility with husband Parupalli Kashyap and some others, who should not a part of the camp.
Satwiksairaj Ranki Reddy, who just lately examined optimistic for COVID-19, is at his house in Amalapuram in Andhra Pradesh, whereas his males’s doubles associate Chirag Shetty is lodged in Mumbai.
Ashwini Ponnappa has most popular to remain in Bangalore and prepare on the Padukone-Dravid Centre of Sports activities Excellence.
“I perceive SAI’s resolution to permit eight gamers for the camp on this pandemic however solely 4 gamers are coaching. I want extra gamers of the identical stage, high quality gamers as a result of badminton is a thoughts sport, it wants teamwork,” Santoso stated.
“It has been few weeks and we’re nonetheless coaching just a few gamers and that isn’t good. It is very important prepare as a bunch in order that gamers can compete exhausting and assist one another. A wholesome competitors is essential.
“I hope for help from SAI in getting extra gamers to coach. As soon as we have now that, we’d be in a greater place to arrange and do properly in tournaments together with the Tokyo Olympics.”
Speaking about India as a badminton nation, the Indonesian coach stated the nation is filled with gifted gamers.
“India has plenty of gifted and gifted gamers. However the possibilities of a medal on the Olympics relies on plenty of issues. I’m proud of the help and freedom that I’ve to coach gamers.”
Santoso, who was working with the Thailand nationwide crew earlier than becoming a member of the Indian set-up in March, stated it’s going to take time for gamers to regulate to his coaching regime.
“All of it relies on the gamers. I’m nonetheless new right here, so I want to grasp the gamers extra and so they have to grasp me,” he stated.
“I do know they’re previous champions however they’ve totally different characters and they’re going to take time to regulate to a brand new coach.”
Santoso was roped in primarily for the Tokyo Olympics, which was postponed to subsequent yr as a result of raging pandemic.
Promoted
“I’ve no downside with the delay of the Olympics. I see it as a optimistic as a result of my gamers have extra time to arrange. So my focus is on the preparation for the Olympics,” he signed off.
India’s subsequent project is the Thomas and Uber Cup Remaining, which is scheduled to be held from October 3-11. The crew is but to be introduced for the match.
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