India can be a leader in Paracanoe development according to International Canoe Federation expert coach Jean-Christophe Gonneaud.
A national Paracanoe development programme was held by the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) this month in Bhopal, with Gonneaud, also a Technical Classifier, sharing his expertise.
Paralympians Yash Kumar, Pooja Ojha, and Prachi Yadav were among the many athletes who took part in the camp, supported by Mayank Thakur, Chairperson of Paracanoe in India and the Madhya Pradesh Amateur Kayaking & Canoeing Association.
Other athletes included Manish Yadav, Sonal, Shilpa Saluja, Shabana, Rajveer Singh, Vajith V, Manish Kaurav, Jithin George, and Nipendra Chaure.
They were joined by coach Anil Rathi, medical classifiers Dr. Isha Joshi and Dr. Ashish Danyak, and masseur Rinku Singh.
“It was a great experience. As a coach, I got an understanding of the conditions they were training in. I was impressed by the activities in Bhopal. There are so many boats and a big group of Paracanoe athletes. It was good. Not all countries will be able to say that about Paracanoe,” Gonneaud said.
Topics discussed included technique correction and speed-focused paddling drills for high-performance athletes.
Sessions were also focused on the correct use and adaptation of assistive devices to help athletes improve, offering customised solutions to suit individual needs.
“I spent time with coaches and did some analysis. The idea was to share with athletes about the adaptation of assistive devices and how they can progress. Athletes are also humans. So it was to know that side of them as well. India can be a key National Federation to help develop the discipline in Asia and internationally.”
Kumar, Ojha, and Yadav all represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
While there was no medal in the discipline for India in France, the country has set its sights on LA28, with the IKCA adding the latest camp is only the beginning of the next cycle.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee, expert coach Jean Christophe Gonneaud and Madhya Pradesh Amateur Kayaking & Canoeing Association for their continuous support and vision towards strengthening Paracanoe in India,” IKCA President Prashant Kushwaha said.
“This initiative has set a new benchmark for Paracanoe development programmes in the country and reflects our collective commitment to creating a strong pipeline of talented and technically sound Para athletes.”
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