[ad_1]
NEW DELHI: India’s Commonwealth Games (CWG) contingent has come under scrutiny after the youngest member of the 191-member squad, 16-year-old para-athlete cyclist Lisha Das, expressed “deep disappointment” over the absence of a woman coach or support staff in the track and para-athletic cycling contingent, raising concerns about the safety of a minor athlete traveling abroad.In emails to sports authorities, Lisha wrote: “I am writing this email with deep disappointment… I am a minor para-athlete. I needed a female escort and professional medical support. We submitted a parental consent form naming Asha Shaikh, my physiotherapist, as my accompanying support staff… Appropriate coaching, medical support, athlete safety and athlete welfare should have been the highest priority.” “Despite several objections from my parents, my coach and myself, this matter remains unresolved, while responsibility continues to be shifted between organizations. It is extremely unfortunate that an athlete continues to suffer while the authorities engage in the blame game. One of the most disappointing aspects of this whole episode is the constant shifting of responsibility. Whenever problems arise: CFI states that it is PCI’s responsibility. PCI states that it is CFI’s responsibility. We should not be held responsible for this administrative failure,” she added. The CWG contingent, approved by the sports ministry on July 9, consists of 126 athletes, 51 officials and 14 contingent staff. While every other discipline has at least one female coach, physiotherapist or member of the medical staff, cycling and para-cycling are the only disciplines without female support staff.The omission appears to be inconsistent with the Sports Authority of India circular dated June 15, 2022, which mandates a female coach in contingents with female athletes during domestic and international camps and competitions, apart from appointing male and female compliance officers to protect female athletes.Four years ago, when the country’s sports administration was rocked by two complaints by female athletes in cycling and sailing against their coaches, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) issued an office circular on June 15, 2022, with the aim of keeping the sport safe and free from harassment and discrimination against female athletes. “Women coaches will compulsorily be part of the contingent with female athletes during domestic/international camps and exhibition at competitions; and a compliance officer (male and female) to be appointed at all national training camps and foreign exhibitions,” read the SAI’s office order.It may be recalled that the Board of Cricket in India (BCCI) recently allowed the parents of 15-year-old batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to accompany him on India’s tour of Ireland and England at the expense of the board to ensure compliance with child protection norms and ease his transition into an older environment.The four-member support staff accompanying the cycling contingent consists of men’s coach Kevin Rene Michel Sireau, men’s physio Prahlad Priyadarshi, men’s technician Rahul Nagappan Assari and men’s para-cycling coach Dattatray Katkam. However, in a late development, Lisha’s longtime coach Aditya Jitendra Kumar Mehta “replaced” Dattatreya in the official contingent. Dattatreya is currently an official of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and can only travel “free to the government” following the ministry’s recent directive on NSF officials traveling with the contingent meant for the CWG. However, Lisha’s key requests remain unfulfilled: the appointment of a trainer or support staff, the involvement of physiotherapist Asha and a technician to assemble and maintain her specialized racing bike.
[ad_2]
Source link
