New Delhi:
It's not just the national sports federations who've had the same bosses for decades. The Paralympics Committee of India, which is the federation for differently-abled athletes is no different. And the allegation against the federation is mismanagement of funds, ahead of preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
Almost 50 disabled Indian athletes protested in front of the Sports Ministry. They had no choice after three of their letters complaining of mismanagement of funds by the Paralympic Committee of India went unanswered.
"The reality is that there is as much as Rs 13 crore allocated for preparing for disability sports. In fact, what has been given for disability sports, is actually more than what is given for boxing or some other sports. This is the money that was available since 2008, two financial years are over, and as much as 10 crore and 60 lakhs have been spent, where did that money go," asked Javed Abidi, Honorary Director of National Centre for Employment for Disabled People.
At the national para-powerlifting camp in Nagpur, the athletes are training for the Commonwealth Games but they don't even have the basic facilities, forget anything special for athletes on wheelchairs and crutches.
While Sports Minister MS Gill refused to comment on this, he said he would look into the matter and respond in about a week's time. Apparently he wasn't even aware of the letters that were sent to him last year. In fact he was very upset and angry about the athletes protesting.
There are 15 events for disabled athletes in the Commonwealth Games which will all contribute to the medal tally, but the lack of facilities and biased selection methods have these athletes disheartened.
"We don't have any hope of participating in the Commonwealth Games," said a disabled athlete.
A sorry state of affairs given the ground disability sports is gaining in the world. In fact, the Asian Games in China this November will also feature the first ever Para-Asian Games.