After zero medals at Paris Olympics, Boxing Federation of India seeks new coach

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has announced its search for a new foreign coach, following the disappointing performance of the Indian boxing contingent at the Paris Olympics. Despite high expectations, the team returned without any medals, prompting the federation to seek a fresh approach for the next Olympic cycle.

Call for experienced leadership

In an official statement, the BFI outlined its requirements for the ideal candidate, emphasizing the need for a coach with top-level boxing qualifications and a proven track record of success on the international stage. “The Boxing Federation of India is seeking a foreign coach for its elite national team for the upcoming four-year period,” the advertisement stated.

The new coach will be expected to guide the team towards achieving top results in major competitions, including the next Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. The BFI’s statement highlighted that the candidate should have extensive experience with elite or youth national teams and should be physically capable of demonstrating techniques to the athletes.

Four-Year Plan for Success: Boxing Federation of India

The BFI is offering a four-year contract to the selected coach, with the primary goal of building a strong team that can deliver medals at the next Olympics. This move comes after significant changes to the coaching staff following the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Raffaele Bergamasco, the women’s high-performance director, and Santiago Nieva, the men’s high-performance director, were among the first to depart in 2022. Bhaskar Bhatt briefly took on the role of women’s head coach before resigning in June 2023, and high-performance director Bernard Dunne, who was appointed in October 2022, stepped down just four months before the Paris Olympics, leaving the team in a vulnerable position.

Current Coaching Situation at BFI

Dmitry Dmitruk, who took over after Dunne’s departure, remains in his role until the end of his two-year contract. According to a BFI source, “We have not even discussed Dmitry. He will serve his contract.” While Dmitruk’s future with the team remains uncertain, the search for a new coach signals the federation’s intent to bring in fresh leadership to revitalize Indian boxing.

Indian Boxing at Paris Olympics: Review and Reflection

India’s boxing performance at the Paris Olympics drew widespread criticism, with several athletes falling short of expectations. Lovlina Borgohain and Nishant Dev came close to securing medals but ultimately missed out, while Nikhat Zareen was eliminated early in the competition. In response to these setbacks, the BFI plans to review the boxers’ performances in the coming days as part of its broader strategy to improve the team’s prospects.

As the federation seeks to rebuild and refocus, the appointment of a new coach will be a crucial step in ensuring that Indian boxing returns to the podium in future international competitions.