Jharkhand Yoga Association is facing crunch of funds to host the 38th National Yoga Championship scheduled at indoor stadium of Mega Sports Complex from November 23 to 27. Their hope to get funds for the event is still being awaited that has brought dark clouds over the event.
“We were assigned this host initiative last year during a bet within state yoga associations registered under Yoga Federation of India (YFI). In the month of April-May we submitted the State sports department a request to give us the required money,” Jharkhand Yoga Association acting secretary Sanjay Jha said.
The entire budget of the game is Rs 26 lakh. According to Jha, State Government is supposed to give 40 to 50 per cent to this game. He added, “Though the Government has not said a clear no to our request but whenever we go for query, officials say that the file has been forwarded to higher authorities.”
In spite of several attempts, both sports secretary and director could not be contacted. “I will not comment over this matter,” said an officer of this department on condition of anonymity.
According to Jha, the State Government has formed a sub-committee to manage the pending grants of about 13-14 State sports associations. Yoga Federation of India (YFI) secretary general Ashok Kumar said, “We have given Rs 51,000 as token of contribution to organisers for catering arrangements. As per our information, Jharkhand Yoga Association received expected money from State Government.”
“In June when YFI secretary general visited Ranchi and offered us Rs 51,000 we denied to take the money. Managing the national affairs with such small money is not possible. Moreover, that money is not given us in cash. YFI officers themselves use the money by distributing food packets of mentioned amount among participants during the game,” Jha said.
As much as 700 participants along with 150 technical officials from 29 States would be participating here. They will be accommodated at hostels of the sports complex. Jha said, “A charge of Rs 360,000 is taken for the three-day event at the stadium. Presently, we have been able to submit only Rs 2.21 lakhs for the stadium.”
Sources believe that the game is overlooked by officials due to State Government’s last moment initiative to host 2nd South Asian Federation Junior Athletics Championships from November 10-12 at Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium of the sports complex.
Ranchi, for the fourth time will be hosting such championship. Previously, it was held in 1988, 2001 and 2008 for 12th, 26th and 32nd national championships respectively. International federation yoga officials of South Korea and Argentina have confirmed their presence in this meet. The championship divided into four types of competitions namely national yogasana, artistic yoga, artistic pair yoga and rhythmic competitions from 8 to 35 years old male and females would be presented.
Sanjay Jha informed that usually every state is supposed to have three members in each group. But, the hosting State can have six members in a group. “Only 13 districts of this state are affiliated with us. We aim to connect all the 24 districts in next two years,” he maintained. Recently, three adolescent girls of Jharkhand have shined State’s name by bagging seven gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the 3rd Asian Yoga Championship which concluded in Malaysia’s Kuala lumpur on October 1.