HYDERABAD: There have rarely been instances in sports of two states gearing up for the same event, sending out invites to all state associations for participation, and then the event getting stayed at the last moment.
This is what happened in the 24th Rhythmic Gymnastics national championship at Saroornagar Indoor Stadium here. Mohali and Hyderabad had been preparing for the same event simultaneously, so says gymnast Prabhjot Bajwa, who went to court to solve the issue.
The Haryana High Court stayed the nationals with immediate effect, leaving young gymnasts in a lurch. Most participants were on their way to Hyderabad when the unfortunate news broke.
“We were in the train with our 35 students when organisers told us there will be no competition. We had no other option but to come here and see the situation,” said Varsha Upadhye, India’s rhythmic gymnastics coach.
Clueless of the situation, Riyaz Ahmed, vice-president of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI), assured that Hyderabad will host the event after court’s order on March 9. The GFI had been in touch with Telangana Gymnastics Association, and not the Punjab association, for hosting the event.
Suspecting foul play, Riyaz also expressed his ire regarding delay. “If there was any problem with the venue, the concerned party should have gone to the Indian Olympic Association, and not to the court directly. It is a loss for all young gymnasts.”
If coaches and gymnasts from different states are to be believed, they had no clue about the competition being held in Punjab, as they had got an invitation from Telangana only.
But A Someshwar, secretary of the Telangana Gymnastics Association, who belongs to the rival faction within the state association, is of the view that the event is a sham. It doesn’t have the approval of the GFI. “Hyderabad was asked to conduct the nationals, but they made it into an open tournament.”
