Poor man146;s camp

The team has players coming back from injuries, and also rookies. This makes the role of the physiotherapist and the dietician even more important. The physio has to oversee the rehabilitation, and also the progress of youngsters.

Currently, trainer Sampath Kumar has to perform the dual role of a fitness expert and physio. In this professional age, having special diets for players as per their personal requirements is not asking for too much. The team management insists there are different diet charts for different players.

But, how can diets for days when the focus is on endurance be the same as those when they are working on speed and agility? IHF president K.P.S. Gill, during his visit to Chandigarh two weeks ago, said it was not possible to hire a physiotherapist because of lack of finances.

The boarding and lodging at Chandigarh has been provided for free by the UT Administration. The Chandigarh Sports Department has provided the infrastructure including the astroturf, gym and conference room for video sessions absolutely free.

The SAI is providing diet money for the camp, which is Rs 150 per player per day.

One would hate to imagine the plight of the players when a physio and a dietician cannot be availed of, with all the major financial worries being taken care of.