India at Paris Olympics: 'Why Hire Me?' Korean Archery Coach Baek Woong Ki Blasts IOA For Denying Accreditation

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Just days before the Paris Olympics 2024, renowned Indian archery coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been instrumental in preparing the Indian archery team, expressed his frustration over not being granted accreditation by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

His absence could significantly impact the team's performance, raising questions about the IOA's decision-making process. Coach Baek Woong Ki, who has been with the Indian archery team for over a year, played a pivotal role in their preparation for the Olympics.

Despite his contributions, he has been left waiting in a Paris hotel, unable to join his team at the Olympic venues. The Archery Association of India (AAI) has been urging the IOA to resolve this issue, but so far, no solution has been found.

"I am a Korean coach who signed a contract to prepare (the Indian archers) for the Paris Olympics. But at a critical time, I was removed from the Olympic coaching role and my flight schedule told me to return home," Woong Ki told myKhel, expressing his disbelief at the situation.

This year marks the first time since 2012 that both the Indian men's and women's archery teams have qualified for the Olympics, competing in all five events. Woong Ki, contracted by the AAI and funded by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has been crucial in shaping the team. His contract runs until August 30, specifically for the Olympics. However, he is now planning to resign after "poor" management by IOA.

"I have a contract until August 30th, and I signed it for the purpose of the Olympics. I plan to arrive at Sonipat and calmly prepare for the formalities of entering Korea," he stated, indicating his intention not to renew his contract.

Woong Ki, who guided South Korea to two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, questioned the rationale behind the investment made in him if he is not allowed to be with the team during the Paris 2024 Games.

"I have been training them (Indian archers) for two years to win a medal at the Paris Olympics. However, foreign coaches were excluded due to the IOA's poor and hasty administration. Then, I don't know why they invested money to appoint a Korean coach. More importantly, it's hitting a major notch just days before the Olympics. I can't stay near the Olympic practice or competition venues," Woong Ki said, expressing his frustration.

Disparity in IOA's Accreditation Decisions

The IOA has approved several personal coaches and support staff in other disciplines, such as wrestling, table tennis, and badminton, leading to questions about why Woong Ki was excluded. The Indian contingent includes 68 coaches and 50 support staff for 117 athletes, yet Woong Ki remains sidelined.

Despite the setback, Woong Ki remains hopeful for the Indian archers. He believes his presence would have added a psychological advantage against strong competitors like the South Korean team.

"Korean archers are strong in competition. If Korea and India play in the final, there is a 90% chance they will lose, but if I enter the coach's box, the Korean archers will feel more tension and pressure because of me. Therefore, India's chances of winning increase," he explained.

Woong Ki has extensive experience in the Olympics, having coached athletes to win multiple medals. He emphasized the importance of a coach in managing the psychological pressure of the Games.

"While preparing for the Olympics, I instilled in my archers the practice of avoiding and dealing with situations that may arise during competition. I have experience in the Olympics, having won four gold medals and one silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics."

He further noted, "No matter how well-trained the archers are, the psychological pressure at the Olympics is too great. Therefore, the coach must create conditions in the field where the archers can shoot stably."

As India faces the prospect of competing in all archery events for the first time in 12 years, Woong Ki's exclusion raises significant concerns.

"This is a very important time. And for the first time in 12 years, India has the opportunity to have three men's and three women's teams participating at the same time, which is a good opportunity to win a medal. I will pray for Indian archers to win a medal," he concluded, hoping for the best for the team he helped prepare.