AFI Fires Uwe Hohn Neeraj Chopra-s Coach For Criticism

Latest Updated on 25 January 2023

Despite the Indian National Olympic Association's move to make the attendance of famous athletes in the event mandatory Neeraj Chopra India's best javelin thrower is likely to miss the 2018 National Games. With a great win at the Diamond League Finals in Zurich, the 24-year-old Chopra's rigorous international calendar has come to a close. The current Olympic champion had a fantastic 2022 season winning historic medals. Chopra won the Silver Medal in the World Athletics Championships but he also had a hamstring problem. Chopra has now chosen after consulting with his coach Dr. Klaus Bartonietz to skip the National Games which get started on September 29 and focus on getting ready for the upcoming vital season.

Neeraj was reported by TOI as stating this was intended to be the final competition of my season according to the timetable I had planned at the start of the year. The Asian Games were postponed so I was going to compete. My season ends with the Zurich competition as we already knew. The dates for the National Games were just released. After consulting with my coach he gave me its go to take some time off and prepare for the upcoming crucial season.

Chopra has also given insight into his season and discussed the hamstring ailment he suffered seriously. Chopra stated that he worked very hard on his technique after starting his season and felt that he was much improved technically during a Press Conference.

Last Updated on 15 September 2021

Neeraj Chopra won the gold in Tokyo Olympics and made the whole country proud. His win was celebrated all across the nation. But the man who coached Neeraj and helped him to win a Gold Medal is now being targeted mercilessly for criticizing the national body, AFI or Athletics Federation of India. Apparently, Uwe Hohn criticized the body heavily and got this fate. The AFI has decided to rebuke Uwe Hohn’s contract and hire two new coaches. This comes as a surprise since Use Hohn’s tenure as a coach has been extremely beneficial for India and yet the officials at AFI told that they are taking this step since they are not happy with Uwe’s performance. 

Although AFI gave their reasons for sacking Hohn it is crystal clear that they are acting out of insecurity. Hohn’s criticism has led them to take this decision. India and Indian organizations have always been reluctant towards open criticism and this case is yet another blatant example of that. The condition of athletes and sports in India is thin and the future isn’t at all bright, given that there is a systemic change from inside. Athletes mostly train on themselves and bear their own expenses, and when they win, it becomes a matter of national pride and everyone wants something out of that win. That’s the blatant reality of our nation.