Jharkhand, hosting the Senior National Gymnastics Championship for the first time, has failed to earn a medal in the tournament, thanks to the failure of the government to conduct district and state level camps.
A team of five girls and eight boys represented Jharkhand at the 54th Senior National Gymnastics Championship which concluded at Ganpat Rai Indoor Stadium at Khelgaon Mega Sports Complex stadium on Thursday.
“Why do children fail in final examinationIJ Obviously, it is because they do not study for the whole year. Similarly, our children failed due to lack of regular practice which is possible only if frequent district and state level gymnastics camps are organized in Jharkhand. No such grassroot initiatives have been taken by the government and our gymnastics association since the formation of the State in 2000,” State team coach Binay Chhetri said.
According to sources, Ganpat Rai Indoor Stadium at Khelgaon Mega Sports Complex is the only state-owned gym in the State where gymnasts have adequate facilities for practice. Referring to the fact, Chhetri said, “We had to select gymnasts for this national meet from the summer camp conducted here from May 15 to 31 on behalf of the state government. Such continuous efforts can only develop the potential of our players wherein they can confidently perform and bring laurels to the State.”
“If the government cannot organise camps at this stadium they can atleast allow us to use the gym of Jharkhand Armed Police. We will have to request the Government for this alternative. This would give a regular practice gym area to our players within the city,” Chhetri added.
“Girls of our State have never participated in national gymnastics tournament. We were selected at the last moment during the summer camp. In such circumstances, it is a dream to achieve a single medal in our cadre,” said a senior female gymnast of Jharkhand who participated along with two others in the championship.
Till date, male gymnasts of the State had managed one gold medal in 34th National Games 2011 followed with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in All India Police Games 2013 held at Ganpat Rai Indoor Stadium.
Asked about the rare steps taken by Jharkhand Gymnastics Association, a member on the condition of anonymity said, “Whenever we plan of organizing camps, the financial support from state government is denied. Even for this national meet, we had to contribute our own money. We are ready to groom the budding gymnasts only if the State Government agrees to provide us financial support.”
Overlooking this pathetic gymnastics ambience, Sports department Director Dadan Chaubey said, “We do not have any plans to organize district and state level camps.”