Chandigarh contingent8217;s prospects bleak

CHANDIGARH, Feb 8: A diet money of Rs 15 per day and a fortnight camp, that too without a trainer, may not be the best way to prepare the...

CHANDIGARH, Feb 8: A diet money of Rs 15 per day and a fortnight camp, that too without a trainer, may not be the best way to prepare the teams for a major event like the National Games to be held at Manipur from February 14.

If that was not enough, Chandigarh Olympic Association COA did not wake up from its deep slumber to resolve the controversy between the two factions of athletics and judo associations. It may be recalled that Chandigarh got lone gold in judo in the last National Games held at Bangalore.

Coming to the preparations, a visit to the camps portrayed a bleak picture and another debacle seems to be imminent.

Taking stock of the situation, out of 14 disciplines in which Chandigarh is participating, most of the players did not figure in the medal tally in their respective games in either team or individual events in the last senior nationals.

The judo team, which had medal prospect, is in a thick of controversy. Due to infighting between the two factions, some of the judokas are uncertain of their participation. The players do not know whether they would board the train to Manipur or not. The matter is pending in the court and would be decided tomorrow.

The athletics team, which won two silver, is also on the wrong lane. COA held trials on February 5. Both Neelam and Jasmine, who won silver medals at the last Games were neither in the camp nor they came for the trials. Some athletes from Punjab, however, came for the trials conducted by the COA, were selected to fill the gap.

COA secretary KS Sahota, however, refused to comment on the issue. He even refused to give the details of the participating teams: 8220;The list is not meant for the media. I have send the complete list of the participants to the organising committee,8221; said the secretary.

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In the third National Games held at Pune, Chandigarh contingent had won more than five gold medals. Thanks to rowers from Services, who represented Chandigarh. But in the Bangalore, the team got could only manage bronzes.

8220;We are hoping to bag one gold medal,8221; said a member of the Chandigarh Rowing Association. The rowers had a different tale to tell. 8220;We got into serious practice only a week back,8221; disclosed one of the rowers men.

The Chandigarh tennis team has not won any medal in the past in the senior national or the National Games. It may be the same story this time.

The camp were shifted to Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association courts from Lake Club courts. But the coach, who was supervising the camp, did not accompany them. 8220;I never got any written order order from his superiors. So I can8217;t go to the CLTA,8221; said Baldev Singh, in-charge of the camp.

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Like-wise uncertainty prevailed in other games also. 8220;Our events commence from February 20. It may effect our training if we leave so early,8221; said PL Paul, secretary, Chandigarh Wrestling Association.

JPS Sidhu, Joint Director Sports, Chandigarh Sports Department, said that all the camps are under progress under the watchful eyes of the departmental coaches. 8220; Our coaches are imparting coaching to the campers.8221; But it was far from the fact. 8220;We are training on our own,8221; disclosed one of the boxers.