New coach qualification policy introduced for para sports

NEW DELHI: The sports ministry’s Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has outlined a ‘coach qualification policy’ aimed at standardising the eligibility, certification, monitoring and remuneration of coaches training the country’s differently-abled athletes for the Para Asiad and Paralympics. The policy has been drafted in consultation with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and other national federations (NFs) handling para sports, it’s been learnt. The policy was deliberated during a MOC meeting held here last week.The policy sought to ensure that the govt-funded coaching support was provided only to qualified, competent and accountable coaches, while balancing the realities of para sport ecosystems where athletes often worked with personal coaches. The move addressed a long-standing gap in Indian para sports, where several Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)-supported athletes trained with personal coaches who, while often instrumental to their success, might not always meet formal qualification standards required for govt-funded support.As per the policy, a coach will have to meet certain qualification pathways including “a six-week SAI/NSNIS course or Level-2 NSF/Level-1 international federation (IF) course; minimum four-year coaching experience and having produced at least a national-level medallist; coached an athlete who won medal at the Olympic/Paralympic, Asian/Para Asian Games and World Championships/World Cups and Asian Championships; and a minimum four-year experience with TOPS-supported athletes”. Existing coaches lacking required certifications would be given one year to complete mandatory courses.“The policy moves away from ad-hoc coach funding and creates a transparent, merit-based coaching pipeline. There will be half-yearly performance reviews by the TOPS team and para sports MOC subcommittee, with additional quarterly reviews if required. Approval can be withdrawn if athlete performance declines, benchmarks are not met, coach conduct or discipline is questionable,” read the policy document.The policy drew from the Pullela Gopichand-led Task Force, which examined key aspects of coach education and training.