Skewed mission? Schools ignore SAI talent hunt

Eighteen top athletes at the National meet will be `adopted’ by SAI for training and preparations for Pusan and the 2006 Games. In effect, SAI and India expects its future Asian champions to be aged around 19.

The policy, titled Search for Athlete Talent (SAT), spelt out in a Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) letter dated April 22, asked each school to send its Master and Miss Speed (100m), Master and Miss Stamina (400m) for trials. Following this, the District Sports Office (DSO), Mumbai City,held trials at Priyadarshini Park, Napean Sea Road. Thirty six boys — 16 for 100m and 20 for 400m — and 30 girls — 15 in each category — turned up.

It was obvious that every school had not sent its representative, as the circular suggested. Thirty two of these 60 have been asked to report for the state-level trials, to be held at Balewadi Sports Complex, on August 2-3.The National-level trials will be held at SAI’s regional centres in Patiala, Bangalore and Calcutta on August 29.

The stated aim of the scheme is to ensure India finishes fourth in medal tally at the Pusan Games. The HRD department, while recognising India’s improved medal tally at Bangkok, especially in athletics, feels a concerted SAT could yield more champions.

Surprisingly, National selector and Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI) official Adille Sumariwala denied any knowledge of the SAT. Infact, the trials were held in his own backyard — Priyadarshini Park — where he coaches every evening.

“I think it is a nationalschools thing. I cannot say if AAFI has been consulted as I have no brief from them on this,” Sumariwala told The Indian Express.

However, state selector Homiyar Mistry — husband of Asian Games 100 metres bronze medallist Rachita Mistry — knew about the trials. He revealed that SAT was the first and largest effort of its kind in India. Earlier, SAI used to advertise for the talent search, he said.

“This is off-season for athletes. I am not sure if the programme will succeed. But I think they will definitely find some talent, especially from the rural areas,” Homiyar said.

Rachita, herself a SAI product, was picked from a local talent search in Orissa and not through any massive talent hunt. She expressed surprise that she did not hear about the trial when she went to the Priyardarshini Park on Thursday.

Not surprising then representation was not forthcoming from every school in the area the stated aim of SAT. Sources in the DSO office revealed that the trials for Mumbai Suburban Districtwere quietly held eight to ten days back. Still, the programme is likely to see nearly 50,000 young athletes across India vying for the 18 Mr and Miss Stamina and Speed titles.