Kottayam: As the nation prepares for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, states across India are demonstrating their commitment to nurturing sports talent by offering job to medal-winning athletes. However, the situation in Kerala tells a different tale, where promises made to athletes remain unfulfilled, leaving a group of talented individuals in a state of limbo.
According to a report, the Madhya Pradesh government’s announcement to appoint state medalists as deputy superintendents of police and deputy collectors, along with Punjab’s promise of substantial cash incentives for qualified players, highlights the proactive efforts by some states to recognise and support their sports achievers. Yet, in Kerala, the scenario appears less encouraging, as promises made five years ago remain unfulfilled.
In 2018, the Kerala Government pledged job opportunities to athletes PU Chitra, V K Vismaya, Neena Pinto, P Kunhu Muhammed, and Muhammed Anas following their remarkable achievements at the Asian Games in Jakarta. Despite their exceptional performances and the subsequent assurances, the government has thus far failed to deliver on its commitments.
During a felicitation ceremony, the Kerala Government assured that athletes employed in other states would be granted positions under the sports quota. The General Administration Department sanctioned the creation of ‘sports coordinator posts under the General Education Department for this purpose. However, the bureaucratic process has caused the job offers to be stuck in administrative limbo, leaving the athletes in a frustrating predicament.
Despite Vismaya’s relentless pursuit of a government job, their endeavors appear to have gone unnoticed. Meanwhile, counterparts from other states have capitalised on the opportunities provided by their respective governments. Hima Das, a gold medalist in the 4×400-metre relay at the 2018 Asian Games, is serving as a deputy superintendent of the Assam Police. Saritaben Laxmanbhai Gayakwad and M. R. Poovamma, both part of the same team, now hold positions as deputy superintendents in the Gujarat Police and senior officers at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), respectively.
Sprinter Dutee Chand, who secured two silver medals in Jakarta, holds a gazetted rank officer position with the Odisha Mining Corporation.
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