VELLORE: As the post of District Sports Officer (DSO) has been laying vacant for months, experts in Vellore say opportunities for aspiring young athletes have taken a hit amid a lag in conducting competitions. Furthermore, the district has not had a permanent coach for major sports for over a decade.
"Officers occupying such important positions are responsible for developing sport activities in their respective districts and taking various talent-spotting schemes offered by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to youngsters," retired DSO A Nagarajan told TNIE. For example, a youngster backed by a coach stands a chance of making it through the selection process of State-level competitions like the School Game Federation of India (SGFI).
According to Nagarajan, by becoming a State or national-level player, youngsters can even get admission into a college under the sports quota. But all this remains elusive when filling up top positions is neglected, he added. Adding to the list of other empty posts, Vellore lacks trainers -- temporary or permanent -- for athletics, basketball, football, hockey, and volleyball. The district has only two "temporary" weightlifting coaches.
Since March 2014, students have been receiving a food allowance of Rs 250 a day and a yearly kit allowance for track suits and uniforms. If the district gets an infrastructure boost, youngsters can benefit a lot, the retired DSO said.
Infrastructure needs leg-up
Vellore is home to one of the largest sports stadiums in the State, only next to Tiruchy and Cuddalore. Located near the VIT campus in Katpadi, it spans over 40 acres.
However, a senior athlete said the infrastructure has to be revamped to better suit the needs of different sports. It has a lot of space which could be utilised effectively, he added.
Turfs can be laid and the currently non-functional swimming pool can be improved. "The facility does not have a long jump pit and they have to make a proper ring and sector for shotput and discus throw," the senior athlete said.
The combined Vellore district -- which includes Ranipet and Tirupattur -- does not have a sports hostel and school either.