Paris 2024: IOA faces internal blame game over support staff accreditation issues

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is under pressure over issues with coaches and support staff for the Paris Olympics. Despite clearing a 256-member contingent, some key personnel have been left out. Notably, South Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki, who has helped India achieve impressive results, is not included. Wrestler Antim Panghal’s coach and physio are also facing visa delays, which she blames on IOA officials.

IOA's response and accusations

IOA President PT Usha defended the organization, claiming they have been proactive in securing accreditations and visas. She stated that 68 coaches and 50 support staff have been cleared for 117 athletes, achieving a nearly 1:1 ratio, which is better than the usual 3:1 ratio. Usha blamed wrestling's ad-hoc committee, which governed the sport until March, for not recommending Antim’s support staff. However, IOA Executive Council member Bhupinder Bajwa, who led the ad-hoc committee, expressed surprise at the blame, noting that the committee was not in charge when some athletes qualified.

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Impact on performance and concerns

An Archery Association of India official expressed concern that last-minute changes could affect team performance. Despite the inclusion of many personal coaches for other sports, Baek Woong Ki has been left out. Some disciplines like wrestling, table tennis, and weightlifting have more support staff than athletes, creating accommodation issues in the Games Village. 

To address this, some support staff will stay outside the Village but will have access to competition venues. Seven personal support staff members in wrestling will receive ‘non-accredited’ cards with limited access. This includes three members of Antim’s team—coach Bhagat Singh, sparring partner Vikas, and physio Heera—as well as Anshu Malik’s father-cum-coach Dharamveer Singh.

Usha expressed confidence that visa requests for support staff would be processed quickly. However, a federation official questioned why the IOA was clearing so many personal support staff requests, given the limited capacity and the need for daily passes or tickets for non-accredited card holders. This situation could lead to logistical problems similar to those experienced at the Asian Games.