Source: The Sangai Express
Guwahati, September 03:
'Golden Boy' Abhinav Bindra and ace weightlifter L Monika Devi, both of them attracted focus during the Beijing Olympics while Bindra for all the right reasons, it is the wrong reason that brought the weightlifter from Manipur to the limelight, reports NNN.
After the Olympics both of them however, share one thing in common-politics should be kept away from Indian sports.
"Playing in Olympics is every sports person's dream, but a well-knit conspiracy and politics shattered my dream in minutes.
Every moment I feel the pain of losing the chance," said Monika while talking to newsmen in Guwahati today.
Monika was in Guwahati today to attend the Abhiruchi Sports Day function.
The Day is being observed since 1983 every year on September 3 to mark the occasion of birth day of first Arjuna award winner from Assam Bhogeswar Baruah.
"While it was a dream fulfil 1 cd for B i ndra, for me it was more than a dream shattered by 'dirty polities' played by some organizers," said Monika while adding, "I sincerely want Indian sports to be free from dirty politics and conspirators who is a real threat for country's sports and sportsperson," she continued.
All praise for the support she received from the people and Manipur Govt, Monika hoped the 'main culprits' will come into the fore once the T S Krishnamurthy inquiry report is made public.
Union Sports Ministry had ordered a probe into the Monika controversy by former chief election commissioner Krishnamurthy.
"This is not the lone case that a player from Northeast fall victim of conspiracy.
I have undergone tremendous disturbances and I think if the culprits are not punished, talented players will continue to be victims of simijar politics," she added.
Asked about her next target? Monika said she is hopeful to continue her game, but she would decide after the probe report.
"Let's wait for the inquiry report on September 4 and then decide," she says.
The weightlifter also spoke in favour of Manipur players threatening to boycott any national level tournaments saying that some, stern measures is the need of the hour to stop victimization of players by 'dirty polities' active in Indian sports organizations.
The ace weightlifter was initially prevented from proceeding to Beijing Olympics by SAI and IOA following a controversial dope test report.
Later, she was cleared of the dope charges, but it was too late for her to make it to Beijing.
People in her home state Manipur backed her and fought for her case.