Usha denies plans to appoint foreign coach

Kozhikode, Oct 13 (UNI) Stating that the work on her 'Usha School of Athletics' was progressing well, sprint queen P T Usha today denied reports about appointment of foreign coaches for the regular stream of trainees with her.

Talking to UNI, Usha, said ''We are able to spot and groom talent appropriately with the available experts'' and added that there was no need for bringing trainers from outside the country.

Pointing out that it was not necessary that all the athletes trained by foreigners were outstanding, Usha said she came across some students taught by foreigners at Bangalore grounds recently with many lacunae.

Praising her mentor and coach 'Dhronacharya' O M Nambiar, she hinted at availability of expert coaches in the country itself.

However, she said the school might consider appointing some of them for technical events such as long jump and high jump, which were difficult for the present faculty to cope with.

Usha said she had spotted a highly talented student, 170 cm tall, who clocked 4.99 without coaching.

A Foreign coach would be advisable only for such talents, she said adding, ''we may consider it after two years or so,'' after moving to the the new premises.

About the progress, she said work on the hostel and multi-purpose gym would be completed in a year.

The Usha School of Athletics presently functions at a rented accommodation near here.

UNI PCH GKT AY ND2004