New Delhi: With just 50 days left for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and less than four months before the Asian Games in Japan, Indian boxing remains without a High-Performance Director (HPD) and a foreign head coach for the men's team, severely affecting preparations for two major events.
Salary Dispute Stalls Appointments
The appointments have been delayed due to a salary dispute between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Boxing Federation of India (BFI). While the federation has sought monthly salaries of $15,000 for HPD, $12,000 for men's head coach, and $6,000 for head of sports science, SAI has agreed to pay only $8,500 for HPD and $6,000 for men's coach.
Complication with Women's Coach Salary
The issue is further complicated by women's head coach Santiago Nieva already drawing $13,500 per month. This disparity has made negotiations more challenging.
Vacant Positions Since 2024
The men's team has been without a foreign coach since Ukrainian Dmitry Dmitruk's exit after the Paris Olympics, while the HPD position has remained vacant since Bernard Dunne resigned in March 2024. These gaps have left the boxers without expert guidance during crucial training phases.
Candidates Shortlisted but Process Stalled
Nine foreign candidates applied for the HPD role, with Sweden's Johan Flodin shortlisted. For the men's coach position, 26 candidates applied, with Italy's Raffaele Bergamasco and American Chadrick Wigle making the final shortlist. For head of sports science, Swedish Rickard Nilsson was chosen. Interviews were conducted on April 10, but despite SAI reminders to BFI on April 27 and May 26 seeking salary details, the process remains stalled.
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