Sportspersons from various disciplines staged a dharna at the Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare (DSYW) in Raipur on Monday in protest against alleged dictatorship of officials of DSYW. They alleged that the Directorate is acting against the wish of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel who is leaving no stone unturned to promote sports and facilitate sportspersons, so that they can win medals at national and international events.
The sportspersons from various disciplines and office bearers of sports association strongly opposed the same.
Some members of sports association termed the proposal as unfortunate for the state. The Director of Sports and Youth Welfare told the sportspersons that they are misguided. On it, the sportspersons demanded an official letter from the Director that the reports being published in the newspaper regarding excellent sportsperson award are false. The Director then called the sportspersons one by one into the office, but they demanded to go together. Finally, the Director met the sportspersons and received the memorandum.
The sportspersons were of the view that the changes being made to the 2007 sports policy are not in their interest. The sportspersons alleged that the proposal of changes in the excellent sportsperson rules will adversely affect them. Chhattisgarh hardly manage to win 5-6 gold medals, they said.
So far, Chhattisgarh has declared 195 players as Excellent Sportspersons since its formation which is meager for a state like Chhattisgarh, they said.
Earlier, the sportspersons submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The OSD to the Chief Minister received the memorandum on behalf of the Chief Minister.
Chhattisgarh Yuva Khel Sangathan president and national level weight lifter Prasham Dutta, Karateka Rupesh Das and Fencer Anurag Choudhary were among other sportspersons present in the delegation met with the Director.
The Director told them to have patience instead of getting misled by others. She told them that the best will be done in the interest of sports.
