Anil lends voice to Indian athletes’ dissent

But now, within two months of that achievement, Anil Kumar stands once again at the crossroads. This time, he says he will not quit the sport but fight for what he believes is the right of all sportspersons in India.

“In the months before the Games, we were told that the government, the sports ministry, SAI, and everybody would stand by the medallist and help them achieve greater heights and even go for the Olympics. We were asked to make plans for the Olympics, we were told that money would not be a problem and we would be given the bestfacilities.”

“After our return from Bangkok, not once has there been talk of preparation. If some efforts have been made, they have been solely on part of the athletics federation,” said Anil Kumar.

“More than a few times I have tried to meet officials in sports ministry, but there has been no response. Once I did manage to meet someone and was asked to give all details for a plan. I did that, but then I was told to get the name of the place, coaches, and so on. And then I was told all this would take months. Maybe these things and plans will happen when the Olympics are gone,” he said.

Anil Kumar, who claims he has lost eight to 10 kilogrammes in the time since he returned from Bangkok, added, “I have managed some basic fitness routine in the morning, but it is certainly the kind of training that would be required if I have to achieve something at the Olympics. I feel that with proper facilities, I can make it to the finals at the World Championships in Spain this year.”

Going by his throws inthe region of 60 metres — “I did 62 metres in training before the Asiad” — he could well be in the top 12 of the world. “The kind of diet we got before the Games and now at the Nehru Stadium, where I had to literally beg before getting a room on payment, is so different. Actually, I go out eat in a nearby dhaba,” revealed Anil Kumar.

He also laments that all those who had promised awards, money are suddenly nowhere to be seen. “What is the point if I or other athletes get the money months later or through Indira Vikas Patra as it has been in the past. The Indira Vikas Patra matures after five years, by then my career may be over,” he added.

Anil Kumar said he has all the athletes with him. “I know I could be victimised, though I feel the AAFI has done a lot for me and others. Also, I know all other athletes want to say the same things, but they are all afraid of the consequences. I have decided to take this chance,” he concluded.

And now it remains to be seen if the athletes’ voice,which is what Anil Kumar claims this is, will be heard at all. Or will it get lost in the wilderness, like it has in the past.