“Some Coaches Are Egoistic and Not Willing to Learn” - Sumit Antil’s Paralympic Revelation Shakes Indian Athletics

Two-time Paralympic gold medalist and world record holder Sumit Antil brought a lot of buzz in the Indian athletic sector by bringing in allegations and criticisms against the present coaching system of the country. While giving an interview in Sonipat, the two-time winner blasted the coaches for using old methods of coaching and for being stubborn in hearing any demands for change.

F64 javelin throw champion Antil estimates that up to one-third of coaching staff in the country show highly toxic traits. "Some coaches are just so egotistical and refuse to evolve," he said. Antil also highlighted a generational gap in coaching. Older coaches, he notes, are often more possessive and resistant to change. Those starting post-2010, however, tend to embrace new methods more readily.

Antil fiercely defended athletes who switch training camps, dismissing the idea that they abandon coaches for no reason. "Athletes don't just randomly leave their coaches," he said. He clarified that most departures happen due to stunted professional growth or a coach’s misconduct. To drive home his point, Antil shared a personal example from 2019. Despite paying ₹65 lakhs as Guru Dakshina – a traditional gift to teachers – he had to leave his coach because staying was harmful to his career. It's annoying how this ex-coach still gets praise and claims credit for his achievements, especially the Paralympic wins. Antil believes this is solely to take advantage of the government's cash awards. Antil

By taking his complaints to the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Antil aims to spark big changes in the coaching scene. He questions the idea that a coach alone "creates" a champion. Why, he asks, should a coach take credit for just one winner when they've trained twenty athletes, while the other nineteen get no mention?

Sportscape believes that Sumit Antil's brave call-out of the toxic system and greedy practices of some coaches is a huge wake-up call for Indian sports admins. As India aims to be a major sports player on the global stage, we need to prioritize making sure athletes have modern, supportive, and mentally safe training environments. There's a serious need for authorities to probe these claims to safeguard future champs. probe these claims to safeguard future champs.