On the second day of All India Police Athletics Championship being held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, some players and coaches sounded disappointed over the organisers of the tournament disallowing the couches of the athletes from standing near the tracks. Citing examples from national and international level competitions, they said that it is a common practice for the couches to be present on the sidelines of the tracks to encourage the participants. “It is a pity that here the coaches have been asked to clear out of the ground.
Besides, we cannot speak out our minds as the organisers are rigid on their stance,” said an athlete, participating in the tournament.
A coach Ashik Beevi of CRPF, who had won silver medal in 400 metre relay event in Commonwealth Games 2006, Melbourne, Australia aside from remaining the national champion in sprint (100 metre, 200 metre and 400 metre) and hurdles (100 metre and 400 metre) between 2000 and 2006, articulated her disappointment over the coaches being kept away from the field. “I am very disappointed. I have played in several national and international competitions. I have not seen such a practice anywhere before. This is unfair to the athletes who need to be cheered by their coaches,” she added.
She also was not happy with the condition of the sports ground at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur. “It is not up to the national standard. Things might look up after the constructions are completed,” she said.
Hamant Bari of Maharashtra Police echoed the view of Ashik Beevi and said that couches should be allowed to be on the sidelines of the athletic tracks. “I wonder why the organisers have set a different rule, departing from the common practice,” he added.
He further said that in Maharashtra, police department provides sufficient time to them of practise. “ Baring emergency duties, players are exempted from routine duties. They get encouragement from their seniors who inspire them to perform better. Besides, the state government releases funds to provide nutritious food for the cops with sporting talents,” he said.
Manju Shri of CRPF who had won gold in long jump, silver in triple jump, gold in 4x400 and 4x100 relay events, stressed on the role of the coaches. “The players need them badly as the bond that develops between them spurs the players to show their best,” she said.