HYDERABAD: Lack of a proper skating rink is not the only concern of the skaters practising at the LB Stadium. A GO that was issued by the Telangana Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture (Sports) on June 21 came as a shocker for the skating fraternity. In the list of sports for admission of students in Engineering, Medical, Agriculture and other courses under the sports quota, skating has been exempted. One skater, who qualified for NEET twice in the last two years, has taken up a course in a private college as there is no scope for her to gain a seat under the sports quota. “I still play because I love the sport,” said the student.
The GO came into force after a committee was set up to review the list of sports and it also says that the list will be updated from time to time by the SATS. The list of 48 sports also includes Beach Volleyball. “Those who play or have participated in Beach Volleyball tournaments are qualified under the sports quota, but our children who are winning laurels in skating are being denied the opportunity,” said one parent.