By-Kartik.Sood@timesgroup.com
CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh school boxing contingent, scheduled to leave for Dehradun on Sunday to take part in the 63rd National School Games, was given soccer outfits instead of a proper boxing kit by the UT education department. The boxers, on Saturday, received a pair of shoes, a ceremonial dress and a soccer outfit.
One of the members of the contingent, Saurav, who had represented Chandigarh at the school nationals last year too, informed TOI that the education department had provided handball outfits the previous year.
"The only difference is that this year they have upgraded it to a football outfit. This (outfit) isn't feasible for us in such national-level competitions, but anyhow we have to make do with it," Saurav said.
"Boxing shoes alone cost a massive Rs 2,000. And, as per rules, the outfit has to be either red or blue. We have not been provided other necessary equipment like the supporter and the L-guard. My parents have furnished these at their own expense," he added.
Deepak, who is vying in the 54 kg category, also complained about the lack of amenities and drew comparison with other states where players aren't given the cold shoulder. "Players from Delhi are given everything by their department. Even their equipment is of superior brand and quality. It is disheartening that we haven't been given the amenities that we require," he said.
Ajmer Singh, father of Deepak, said, "I am a farmer and I do not know what the rules are, but the department should provide proper facilities to the players. With my meagre income, I can't."
Meanwhile, G S Sidhu, secretary in the education department, clarified that the players were given a ceremonial dress, a boxing outfit and a pair of shoes by the department.
Tarsem Sharma, incharge of the boxing contingent, stated, "The students were provided what the authorities directed us to do. The department has issued the kit and we merely delivered it to the players."
CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh school boxing contingent, scheduled to leave for Dehradun on Sunday to take part in the 63rd National School Games, was given soccer outfits instead of a proper boxing kit by the UT education department. The boxers, on Saturday, received a pair of shoes, a ceremonial dress and a soccer outfit.
One of the members of the contingent, Saurav, who had represented Chandigarh at the school nationals last year too, informed TOI that the education department had provided handball outfits the previous year.
"The only difference is that this year they have upgraded it to a football outfit. This (outfit) isn't feasible for us in such national-level competitions, but anyhow we have to make do with it," Saurav said.
"Boxing shoes alone cost a massive Rs 2,000. And, as per rules, the outfit has to be either red or blue. We have not been provided other necessary equipment like the supporter and the L-guard. My parents have furnished these at their own expense," he added.
Deepak, who is vying in the 54 kg category, also complained about the lack of amenities and drew comparison with other states where players aren't given the cold shoulder. "Players from Delhi are given everything by their department. Even their equipment is of superior brand and quality. It is disheartening that we haven't been given the amenities that we require," he said.
Ajmer Singh, father of Deepak, said, "I am a farmer and I do not know what the rules are, but the department should provide proper facilities to the players. With my meagre income, I can't."
Meanwhile, G S Sidhu, secretary in the education department, clarified that the players were given a ceremonial dress, a boxing outfit and a pair of shoes by the department.
Tarsem Sharma, incharge of the boxing contingent, stated, "The students were provided what the authorities directed us to do. The department has issued the kit and we merely delivered it to the players."
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