Ahead of Asian Games, IOA demands kits from non-affiliate sports
What's the story
Ahead of the 2018 Asian Games, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has landed itself into a battle with non-affiliate sports federations. The body has demanded athletes' kits from the latter for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Asian Games. In reply, non-affiliate sports federations are asking for mercy as they cannot bear expenses.
Non-affiliate sports
All that you need to know about non-affiliate sports
83 Indian athletes will be representing the non-affiliate sports at the upcoming Asian Games. Non-affiliate sports include the likes of Sambo, Pencak Silat, Roller Skating, Sport Climbing, Soft Tennis, Kurash, Sepak Tekraw and Bridge. Most of them would be making their debut at the Games next month. The issue of paying for their own kits has now cropped up.
Expensive
Non-affiliate sports federations worried about meeting expenses
One of the federations has come out and said that IOA's demands are unfair. According to a media report, an official said, "This is unfair. Spending Rs. 30,000 on each athlete will be very expensive. At times we find it difficult to run the sport owing to limited funds." Generally the uniform costs Rs. 10,000 with kits coming in the range of Rs. 20,000.
Questions
What is the rule?
Another non-affiliated sport official stated that they have already spent a lot of money on preparations and this extra cost on kits and uniforms comes as a burden. As per the rule, no uniform in ceremonies means athletes cannot take part in the same and improper playing kits will see them penalized. This has put non-affiliated sports federation in a real state of bother.
Personal
Our view: IOA need to soften its stance
Ahead of such a crucial event, the IOA should understand the situation and help the non-affiliate sports federations. With all preparations in place, this extra cost is going to serve as a deafening blow to the federations and athletes alike. Dreams could be crushed.