AFI hopes to retain Russian coach Nikolai Snesarev

Kolkata: The Athletics Federation of India does not want to "lose" Russian coach Nikolai Snesarev, who has put in his resignation letter citing poor infrastructure less than a year ahead of Rio Olympics.

Confirming that he has received a resignation letter from the Russian middle and long distance coach, AFI president Adille J Sumariwalla said he would meet SAI Director General Injeti Srinivas on Sunday to discuss the matter.

"He has been asking about the facilities and he has every right to be upset about it and we will talk to him about it. I don't think media is the right place to discuss, otherwise it will be a repeat of what happened with the hockey coach. If everyone starts speaking then we will lose a good coach," the former Olympian told media in an interaction on the sidelines of 55th National Open Athletics Championship at SAI Complex here.

Snesarev had criticised the standard of infrastructure in India and cited it as the main reason of putting forward his resignation yesterday.

"We don't have a high altitude running centre and using the Army facilities in Ooty is not ideal. The athletes have to run on the road. He has not given any specific point on the facilities. It is better we discuss it among ourselves instead of media discussing it. I would request media to stop speculating."

"We will discuss the matter there and we will see what is where... I have received a letter, I am going to meet him in Delhi. I have a responsibility to the nation and to my athletes. I won't use the media. I will stay by that," the AFI president added.