Athletes Have Every Right to Ask for Personal Coaches: Vijender Singh

Joining the never-ending debate on whether personal coaches are required in addition to the federation-appointed national coaches at global events, Olympic medal-winning boxer-turned-politician Vijender Singh sided with the athletes, saying that they have every right to ask for support staff of their choice. Several Indian athletes have opted to take their personal coaches to the Paris Olympics, which began on Friday, despite the presence of national coaches across disciplines in the contingent, leading to a debate on whether such an arrangement is required.

"Definitely, it is necessary. When I used to box (in amateur circuit) we were given full freedom in this aspect. So we got the coaches, and the sparring partners we wanted," Vijender, who is a member of the ruling BJP, told PTI editors at its headquarters in an exclusive interaction.

The 38-year-old Haryana boxer won a bagful of medals between 2006 and 2014, including a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Championships, before turning professional.