Volker Herrmann, Indian athletics’ High Performance Director quits without ‘specific reason’


Volker Herrmann, Indian athletics’ High Performance Director quits without ‘specific reason’
Volker Herrmann

The High Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Volker Herrmann has quit from his post despite having his contract extended by the Sports Ministry till the Olympic Games in 2024. A source from AFI according to PTI stated that Herrmann had already resigned a few weeks ago and had not given any specific reason for the same.

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Hermann was appointed in June 2019 on a short-term contract till the Tokyo Olympics but following its postponement, the German’s contract was extended till the 2024 Olympic Games. Herrmann was the second person to bag the post after a short term contract which was offered to American Derek Boosey who was appointed in 2015.

‘Can no longer meet self-imposed expectations’

Volker Herrmann

Volker Herrmann took to Facebook to announce that he had resigned from the role saying, “After one-and-a-half fruitful and inspiring years in India, the day has come when I could not any longer meet the self-imposed expectations coming along with the role of AFI’s high-performance director, which is why I resigned from my position three weeks ago.”

“Working in high-performance sports requires a high level of expectations. Numerous athletes and teams all around the world, supported by their coaches and staff, are competing with the one goal to be the best at a particular date. The only one will succeed,” he added.

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Hermann stated that his India stint makes him look back on a ‘positive note’. “I might change my perspective but I am still looking forward to watch the further development of our athletes and coaches and their coming successes,” he further said.

The source from AFI told PTI, “It requires a conducive and likewise sustainable infrastructure to support its countless talented athletes and coaches. It also needs players with a strong, confident, and independent mindset to succeed at world stage.”

“He did not give any reason. He wanted to leave and go back (home). AFI tried to stop him till the Olympics but he told he has decided to go back,” the source added.

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