India's archery coach Baek Woong Ki to exit amid accreditation snub

India’s Korean archery coach Baek Woong Ki announced his decision not to continue beyond his current contract, which expires on August 30, after being denied accreditation for the Paris Olympics.

Woong Ki, who had accompanied the Indian team to France following their preparations in Marseille, criticized the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for what he described as "poor and hasty administration."

Woong Ki, renowned for guiding South Korea to two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, expressed his frustration over being excluded from the Olympic coaching role at a crucial time. He is currently staying in a Paris hotel, awaiting his return to India.

"I am a Korean coach hired to prepare the Indian archers for the Paris Olympics. Yet, at a critical juncture, I was removed from my role, and my flight home was scheduled," said Woong Ki. He confirmed that he plans to return to Sonipat to complete the formalities before heading back to Korea, clearly stating he will not renew his contract.

Questioning the rationale behind his appointment if he wasn't to be included in the Olympic team, Woong Ki said, "I have trained the Indian archers for two years with the aim of securing a medal at the Paris Olympics. The exclusion of foreign coaches is a result of the IOA's mismanagement. If they didn't plan to involve me, why did they invest in hiring a Korean coach? This is happening just days before the Olympics, and I can't even be near the practice or competition venues."

The Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will see six Indian archers competing. Despite clearing personal coaches and support staff for other sports like wrestling, table tennis, and badminton, the IOA's decision to exclude Woong Ki has raised questions.

Woong Ki believes his presence could have significantly boosted India's chances of winning a medal in archery, particularly against the formidable South Korean team. "If India and Korea face off in the final, there's a 90% chance India might lose, but my presence would add pressure on the Korean archers, improving India's chances."

During his tenure, funded by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and contracted by the Archery Association of India (AAI), Woong Ki has played a crucial role in preparing the team. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation and stability under Olympic pressure, noting his experience of winning multiple Olympic medals.

"For the first time in 12 years, India has both men's and women's teams participating simultaneously, presenting a great opportunity to win a medal. Despite the setback, I will pray for the Indian archers' success," Woong Ki concluded.

Woong Ki began his stint with the Indian team at the World Cup Stage 1 in Antalya, Turkey last April, and has since been instrumental in their development.