JOIN USManoharan, who has been India’s junior and youth coach since 2006 and has given fine results during his tenure, says the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is neither offering him job security nor the financial incentives to continue.
“I have been with the team since 2006 but was given a contract by SAI only in 2007. That too is renewed on an yearly basis. So I don’t have a permanent job. I don’t mind that but at least they should hike my pay after good international results,” Manoharan said.
“I’m not saying pay me just like that. But I have the results to show. I have to sustain a family and with a salary of Rs 15,000 and all the travelling that I do, it’s not possible. I have to think of other options,” the Olympian said.
Under Manoharan’s guidance, Thokchom Nanao Singh became the first Indian to be a youth world champion in 2008.
In the just-concluded Youth World Championships in Baku Azerbaijan, Vikas Krishan (60kg) fetched a gold and Shiva Thapa (54kg) clinched a silver while two others made the quarterfinals.