Volga Archery Academy chief launches hunger strike

Volga Archery Academy chairman and Andhra Pradesh Archery Association general secretary Ch. Satyanarayana on Tuesday launched fast-unto-death seeking an apology from V. Surendra, father of international archer V. Jyothi Surekha, who was bestowed with Arjuna award. In the evening, the police shifted him to the government general hospital.

Mr. Satyanarayana sat on an indefinite hunger strike near the graves of his late son and former Indian archery coach Ch. Lenin and daughter Ch. Volga, also an archer. Simultaneously his wife Ch. Krishna Kumari also sat on hunger strike at her home.

‘Deeply hurt’

“I was deeply hurt by utterances of Mr. Surendra and his daughter (Surekha) in the media as they denied any role of Lenin in shaping the career of Jyothi Surekha. It was my son who trained the girl since 2007 until his death,” Mr. Satyanarayana said speaking to reporters.

“Mr Surendra portrayed me as academy warden when my role was actually that of chief coach. Discrediting Lenin’s contribution as a coach was nothing but betraying him. I want Mr. Surendra to tender an apology in the media. Until then I will not give up my agitation,” Mr. Satyanarayana said. Meanwhile, members of various associations expressed solidarity with Mr. Satyanarayana.

Senior sports administrator K.P. Rao, SRR & CVR Govt. College physical director Mohan Rao, representatives of various sports and games associations and others visited Mr. Satyanarayana. Health condition of Mr. Satyanarayana, who is 59, is stable. Mr. Surendra could not be contacted.