What made world number two archer Deepika Kumari shed tears in front of the cameras on her arrival from Poland after striking gold with her team members in the World Cup stage IVIJ
Many would say it was the extreme pressure from the media that left her harassed and emotionally broken. However, Deepika’s kin and well-wishers back in Jharkhand blame it on the archery association officials’ indifference and coaches’ neglect.
Before the drama at Archery Association of India (AAI) president VK Malhotra’s residence in Delhi on Tuesday, Deepika and her medal winning team’s arrival was largely ignored by the AAI. There was no welcome at the airport, with not even an official turning up to receive them.
Deepika’s mother Geeta Devi feels it was the responsibility of the association and coaches to avert an incident like Tuesday’s. “Don’t ask me who is responsible. You should ask the officials and coaches who were with her that time,” she said.
“Instead of felicitating talented girls, if you make them cry, who will play for the countryIJ More than scribes and cameramen, officials and coaches are responsible for the incident. Players should get some protection. Their coaches should be vigilant and act as guardians,” she added.
Deepika’s former coach Purnima Mahato, a veteran archer, said she had a talk with the young girl after the episode. Deepika told her that she was exhausted and worn out after the journey. “Didi, hum subah se pareshan the aur sab log humko alag alag interview ke liye bol rahe the. Hum logon ko plane bhi pakadna tha (I was hassled since morning and everyone was asking for an exclusive interview. We had to catch a flight too),” Deepika told Purnima over phone.
Purnima also felt, “Coaches should have been pro-active in such circumstances. They had come direct from Poland in the morning. All of them must be tired, so how could they give so much time for interviewsIJ”
“AAI should have arranged a proper Press conference. It is not possible for a fatigued sportsperson to oblige so many journalists separately,” she added.
Interestingly, Deepika and her teammates praised their Korean coach, lim Chae Woong, saying his acumen and guidance led them to victory. They, however, did not comment about AAI’s mismanagement which led to ‘harassment’.
Despite repeated attempts by The Pioneer, AAI president VK Malhotra and general secretary Anil Kamineni remained unavailable for comments.