Indian athletics chief coach Bahadur Singh's 25 year-long reign at the top post has ended with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) denying him a contract extension on the grounds of age restrictions. The contract of the Asian Games (1978 and 1982) gold medallist shot putter ended on June 30 and the Sports Ministry did not extend it in accordance with its guidelines of keeping the upper age limit of coaches at national camps to 70.

Singh, 74, who ended his coaching career as one of India's longest serving head coaches, took up the post in February 1995. Confirming the development, Athletics Federation of India lauded Singh for his immense contribution to the sport, first as international medal winner and then as chief coach. "As we stay focused on our journey to being counted on the world stage, we will always remember the immense contribution Bahadur Singh made to Indian athletics, first as a shot putter of repute in the 70s and early 80s, and then as Chief Coach since February 1995," AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said.