Contracts of foreign athletics coaches extended: Kiren Rijiju

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NEW DELHI | SEPT 06, 2020: 

The contracts of nine foreign athletics coaches have been extended as the country looks forward to the 2022 Asian Games, 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Paris Olympics, said the Sports Ministry. 

The contracts high-performance director Volker Hermann and three other coaches have been extended till September 30, 2024. The contracts of three other coaches have been extended till September 30, 2022, while the two remaining contracts have been extended till September 30, 2021.

"There is a well-defined roadmap ahead for our athletes as we eye the best of preparations for 2024 and 2028," said Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. 

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"This decision to extend the contract of the coaches will benefit our athletes as there will be a continuation of their training with the same coach. Coaches play the most vital part in moulding our athletes to reach the elite level and this also improves India's chances in various major international events going ahead."

The contracts of a majority of the coaches were originally due to end on August 31, 2020. 

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Furthermore, the ministry had given four-year contracts to new foreign coaches in accordance with the Olympic cycle.