Taguchi to train swimmers

The Bangladesh Swimming Federation (BSF) is likely to appoint Japanese coach Takahiro Taguchi to prepare swimmers for proposed Bangabandhu Age-Group International Swimming Championships under a project of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Taguchi, who coached Bangladeshi swimmers in late 1980s, worked as an advisor of Bangladesh Swimming team during the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal in December last year where the Bangladeshi swimmers managed only three silver and eight bronze medals.

“He came here yesterday [Thursday] and we will sit with JICA on February 10 to confirm his appointment even though JICA is interested in assigning Taguchi to conduct training camp every alternative month for a period which hasn’t been finalised yet,” BSF general secretary BM Saif said, adding that they are also looking for a permanent coach for the swimmers. 

BSF’s plan is to organise the competition in June with participation of swimmers from India, Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The federation has placed a budget of Tk 2.74 crore for the event, with the budget awaiting government’s approval.