TT Assn in awe over Khelo India badminton centre in Kakching
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 30 2021:
Pointing out that the discipline of badminton was selected for opening of Khelo India Centre in Kakching district without being recommended by the then deputy commissioner; Table Tennis Association Kakching has urged the authority concerned to look into the matter.
In a release, Table Tennis Association Kakching secretary M Surjit informed that Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had issued an order for opening of different sports facilities in the state under the Khelo India Scheme.
Consequently, District Youth Affairs conducted survey in 16 districts and the deputy commissioners concerned submitted the recommendations to the directorate of youth affairs & sports.
For Kakching district, the deputy commissioner recommended three sports disciplines and names of associated organisations including Table Tennis Association Kakching, Kha Manipur Thang Ta Academy and The Women Football Academy, Kakching on October 10, 2020, he continued.
In the meantime, Ministry of Youth affairs and Sports senior director (Khelo India) sent a list of two sports disciplines shortlisted for all the 16 districts of the state to the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports and further directed to approve only one discipline per centre in the first instance.
The ministry selected table tennis and badminton for Kakching district, Surjit informed, while appreciating selection of the two disciplines that are being played together in the indoor stadium of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kakching Chumnang.
Maintaining that the Association does not have any grudges against badminton and also respect all disciplines, Surjit said that they were surprised on selection of badminton which was not included in the recommendation sent by the authority concerned.
It is more like giving appointment to a candidate who does not sit for the recruitment exam, he compared, while contending that such acts have discouraged the players.
Surjit further urged the government and its authorities concerned to look into the matter and find out the truth.