Archery assn charges trials fee
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 23
Local archers were in a tight spot after the Chandigarh Archery Association asked them to submit trials fee before appearing for the selection procedure of a junior team.
The local trainees were asked to pay Rs500 each. However, after the news spread in the media, the amount was reduced to Rs300 each player.
Notably, parents alleged that no official circular was issued by the association and the update to submit the amount was given through verbal means.
While the general secretary of the association accepted that the amount was taken as it has been charged for the past several years, the president refused to have any knowledge in this regard.
“We have lesser number of archers for trials. The amount was charged to provide them with equipment. This is nothing new,” said Vikram Singh, general secretary, Chandigarh Archery Association. He also claimed that a receipt was also issued to the players for submitting the amount and a circular was also released. However, he maintained that he did not have the circular in possession to make it public. The parents maintained that no receipt had been issued.
“I am not aware about any such thing. There should be no fee on trials to get the maximum response of players,” said Amarinder Singh Bazaz, president, Chandigarh Archery Association.
Interestingly, local associations in Chandigarh get grounds free of cost for conducting any affiliate championship or trials. The associations, if eligible, also get grants from the COA and the UT Sports Department to carry out activities in the city.
“Instead of promoting archery among students, the association is demoralising them. Some players, who are from a poor background, have suffered in the past and such decisions are making things worse for them. Trainees are already facing problems in buying expensive archery equipment,” said a parent.
The trials were held on February 21 for choosing a local team to participate in the 41st NTPC Junior National (Indian Round, Compound & Recurve) Archery Championship from March 7 to 16, at Uttarakhand.
