NEW DELHI: In a shocking case of insensitive and highhanded behaviour by sports administrators, the Indian athletes going for Para Asian Games in Incheon (for sportspersons with various disabilities) have been forced to sign a contract which bars them from going to the media with their complaints. This gag has been enforced to stop these disabled athletes from "gaining sympathy by trying to project themselves as victims" through "frivolous allegations".
As per the contract, anyone who goes to the media will face a lifetime ban and those who do not sign will not be allowed to participate in the Games.
In the section Media Requirements of the contract, a copy of which is with TOI, it is clearly stated that these athletes face a life ban for flouting the norms. "We were told we would get out air tickets only when after we signed these stifling contracts. Some of us protested but there was no option in the end," said one of the athletes participating in the games.
The Paralympic Committee of India's (PCI) explanation for taking this Draconian step is amazing. "These athletes are indisciplined, so this contract was made to keep them under check," said Rajesh Tomar, the president of PCI.
Tomar said that some athletes try to gain sympathy by showing themselves as victims in front of the media. "It is very important for sportspersons to be disciplined and this contract will be a psychological pressure. If they have a problem, they will first have to approach PCI and give the committee a month's time to probe.
"This committee is doing so much for these disabled athletes - we organised a grand farewell dinner which was attended by ministers, they have granted good allowances during the games and they will also get their sports kits on time," said Tomar.
The farewell dinner for all the 90 athletes going to Incheon was held on Monday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Some para sportswomen have written to the ministry that they weren't provided with cab facility after the dinner and they were out on the streets at 12:30 in the night. "The ceremony got over very late. There were just two taxis waiting outside one for all the men and women. I had to take an auto at 12:30am for Pahar ganj from JN Stadium. Some of us have written to the ministry and the committee but have got no reply," said an athlete.
Reacting to this, Tomar said only two or three women were left and they have set up a committee to probe the matter. "Yes, this complaint has reached us and we are probing the matter. But these women reached home safely at the end of the day."
PCI was in news last month as there were reports that the officials were taking their family members as para athletes' escorts.
"Now, the names suggested by the athletes as escorts have been cleared for Incheon," said Tomar.
Meanwhile, the para table tennis players have claimed they have been given no escorts. "No escorts are going with us. We have been approaching PCI regarding this matter for days but to no avail," said Suvarna Raj, a para table tennis player.
Para Asian games will begin on October 18 and end on October 24.