Sports associations seek equal rights to all

The issues of infighting in the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) and facilities being given to selective sports associations echoed at a meeting of sports associations of Chandigarh with the Secretary Sports, UT Administration, and other officials of the Sports Department.

When the Department officials asked the sports bodies about their association with the COA, many said the COA units were already divided due to the infighting. The local sports bodies demanded that those affiliated directly with the national sports associations should be provided facilities by the Sports Department till the COA issue resolves.

Many associations also objected to the Sports Department’s practice of providing facilities — in terms of allotment specific area on lease to operate — to a handful of sports bodies, which reportedly have good contacts in the UT Administration.

The associations demanded equal opportunities to all, which the UT Administration is unlikely to provide. Discussions were also held on upgrading the infrastructure.

‘Not invited to meeting with Administrator’

The Chandigarh Sports Council has called a meeting of the sports associations on December 12, under the chairmanship of UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. However, a controversy has erupted as a few associations alleged that they have not been invited to the meeting.

The Netball Sports Promotion Association of Chandigarh has filed a request with the Sports Secretary to be called for the meeting. Sources claimed that not all associations have been invited to the meeting and are asked to furnish details regarding activities of the association during 2023-24, annual calendar of proposed events to be organised by them and list of outstanding sportspersons and medallists from the city.

While the associations have been asked to furnish details, it’s worth mentioning that outstanding players from Chandigarh are either trained by the UT Sports Department coaches or have their personal coaches, as barring a handful of local associations no other sports bodies have hired specialised coaches.

Some of the associations even get grant from parent national bodies for hosting state matches. The associations are provided with grants — on the condition of submitting utilising certificates — and free-of-cost grounds in Chandigarh for conducting championships.

During the meeting, the associations are likely to raise demand for equipment at centres, office spaces in government-owned stadiums, grounds on lease and holding such meetings regularly.