Sindhu’s Korean coach quits to attend to ailing husband

New Delhi, September 24

South Korean badminton coach Kim Ji Hyun, who played a pivotal role in PV Sindhu’s march to the world title recently, has resigned as India’s women’s singles coach, citing personal reasons. 

The national federation, however, said it hasn’t received any official communication from her. The 45-year-old from Busan has rushed to New Zealand to care for her husband Ritchie Marr, who suffered a stroke a few days ago.

Kim, who was roped in by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) early this year, was with Sindhu during her World Championship gold-winning campaign last month at Basel. “It is true, Kim has resigned as her husband is pretty unwell. He suffered a kind of neuro-stroke sometime during the World Championships. So she rushed back. She needs to take care of him as it will take around 4 to 6 months for him to recover,” India’s chief national coach Pullela Gopichand said. However, BAI general secretary Ajay K Singhania said that neither the governing body nor the Sports Authority of India has received Kim’s resignation. “The Olympics is still 10 months away and we are trying to talk to her, get an update and see if it is possible for her to continue in her position. Her role is important for India’s success at the Olympics,” he added.

Big setback

The departure of Kim will be a big setback for Sindhu with less than a year to go for the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics silver medallist, however, said the unforeseen situation doesn’t leave her with any option but to go on without Kim. “It is unfortunate that Kim had to leave at this stage... And I wish her husband a quick recovery,” Sindhu said. Her father PV Ramana said Sindhu will be seeking assistance from men’s singles coach Part Tae Sang as and when required. 

Kim was India’s third foreign coach to resign without completing the tenure. Indonesian coach Mulyo Handoyo had resigned abruptly in late 2017 citing personal reasons. He later joined the Singapore squad. Malaysia’s Tan Kim Her had also stepped down as India’s doubles coach early this year, 18 months before his tenure was to end. — PTI