The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has accepted the resignation of Bernard Dunne, its High-Performance Director. The Indian team will continue training under foreign coach Dmitrij Dmitruk.
Dunne’s Tenure and Achievements
Dunne, a former Irish boxer, served as the High-Performance Director since 2022. During his tenure, Indian boxers achieved success, securing four gold medals at the 2023 Women’s World Championships, three bronze medals at the 2023 Men’s World Championships, and five medals at the 2022 Asian Games.
BFI Moving Forward with Coaching Staff
The BFI expressed gratitude for Dunne’s contributions and wished him well. Head coach CA Kuttappa and existing coaches will continue their roles, with Jai Singh Patil and Durga Prasad Gandhamalla joining the coaching team.
What This Means for the Athletes
The immediate impact on the athletes seems minimal. Head coach CA Kuttappa and the existing coaching team, who have been working alongside Dunne, will continue in their roles. This provides a sense of continuity for the boxers. However, there could be a period of adjustment as the athletes adapt to any new coaching methods or philosophies introduced by Dmitruk.
The long-term impact depends on Dmitruk’s approach and effectiveness. Dunne’s departure comes after a disappointing performance at the first World Olympic qualifiers. The BFI will likely be hoping that Dmitruk can improve the team’s performance in upcoming qualifiers and international events.