Debate erupts over the role of private and national coach, Olympic medalist also gave his opinion, know

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, there has been much debate over the role of private and national coaches. Olympic medalist shooter Vijay Kumar however believes that the role of both private and national coaches is important for the development of the player. In fact, many Indian players have taken private coaches with them to the Paris Olympics and Vijay believes that there is nothing wrong with it.

While pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, India's medal hope in shooting, chose legendary pistol shooter Jaspal Rana, rifle shooter Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar practices with former Olympian Joydeep Karmakar. Joydeep, however, hasn't gone to Paris with him. Many players in other sports have also preferred private coaches.

Vijay, who won the silver medal in rapid-fire pistol at the London Olympics 2012, said, "This is a complicated issue. Personal coaches should also be given importance. Suppose I become the national coach and the shooters who come to me, would have been practicing with the personal coach till now, so the contribution of both coaches is important. The national coach gives an extra push and teaches to face pressure." 

Vijay said, "The federation should also appoint such coaches who have won medals at the international level so that they can teach about playing well in these conditions. What was going on in their mind at that time or which technique should be adopted."