Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra submitted his report on the plight of the para-athlete Kanchanmala Pande, who had to stoop down to beg and borrow money to suffice for her food, lodging and registration. Reports earlier claimed that the pare-athlete who was there for the Para Swimming Championships (July 3-July 10) did not even have money for her transport. A report of Mail Today had claimed that the coach accompanying the athletes – Kanwaljeet Singh – went missing during the main events and asked for nearly Rs 7,500 from the swimmers as participation fees. This is grave!
On Wednesday, Goel had said, “I’m informed funds were released to Paralympic Committee by SAI on behalf of @YASMinistry. Trying to ascertain from PCI where problem lies. Sports Ministry & SAI issued funds timely. PCI’s duty was to inform Ministry if it was unable to further issue it on time, will be probed.”
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) vice-president Gursharan Singh deflected blame by saying, “We feel sad that this kind of incident had happened, it should not happen again. We regret that this incident had happened. We will seek a report from the team manager and find out how this had happened.”
Series of tweets by a concerned and dejected Abhinav Bindra:
This is UNACCEPTABLE. People must be held accountable. @VijayGoelBJP @narendramodi https://t.co/dBIrey8TYR
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 12, 2017
A sports legislation which mandates all federations to professionalise is the only way ahead for Indian sport. The draft 1/2
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 12, 2017
Prepared by @DGSAI committee is a good one- I hope it comes to force asap
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 12, 2017
I’m informed funds were released to Paralympic Committee by SAI on behalf of @YASMinistry. Trying to ascertain from PCI where problem lies. https://t.co/1jPUIEUuHw
— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) July 12, 2017
Being concerned about Kanchanmala’s story my team has spoken to her &others involved. 1/3
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 13, 2017
Have forwarded the report to the Hon, Minister for his consideration . 2/3
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 13, 2017
Much work to do on backing our athletes with what they need to grow and excel 3/3
— Abhinav Bindra (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 13, 2017
“The sanctioned amount from SAI came five days before the departure of the athletes but we could not withdraw the money as it needs the approval of the Chairman of Committee appointed by the Delhi High Court. He (Justice Retd. Kailash Gambhir) was not available to clear the funds. So, we told the athletes not to take part in Berlin or go on their own and compensate later. The team went on their own and I am hearing about this incident. We have asked for a report about what happened in Berlin from team leader Kamaljit Singh,” he further added speaking to PTI from London.
