Javelin Coach Naval Singh: Coaching in India is Thankless, But We Can Be a Global Powerhouse

• Veteran javelin coach Naval Singh calls coaching in India a "thankless job" due to lack of recognition and financial incentives.
• Singh believes India can become a global javelin powerhouse in five years, citing abundant untapped raw talent, including tall, strong girls from villages.
• He proposes a model: establish javelin excellence centers in 10 cities, hiring dedicated coaches at Rs 1 lakh/month to train 10 youngsters each.
• Coaches abroad, like in Finland and Germany, receive more respect than in India, despite their crucial role in athlete development.
• Singh emphasizes the need for sport-specific sponsors and a collective effort from stakeholders like AFI, SAI, and the Sports Ministry to support coaches.

Why It Matters: India's javelin potential is huge, but coaches need better support and a structured system to thrive.