The jury might be out on the impact and importance of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Indian football but the tournament certainly has no fans among the athletics fraternity in the country.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) on Wednesday not only slammed the ISL for encroaching on its venues but also claimed that the athletes were “struggling for existence” in the face of lack of space and facilities across the country, all taken over by the ISL.
“Football is taking over all our athletics stadiums — in Delhi, Kochi, Bengaluru and elsewhere — and the athletes are struggling to even find space to train. Athletes are struggling even for their existence and fighting everywhere. Where will we go if ISL takes over everything?” alleged long jumper and former chairperson of the government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Anju Bobby George on the sidelines of 22nd Federation Cup announcement here.
AFI secretary C.K. Valson, in fact, said the federation had been forced to move the event to Patiala for the second year in succession due to the non-availability of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi due to the ISL.
“There is no space for training or competitions. We are struggling at all venues and only Patiala is available for us. ISL has taken over all stadia across the country as bulk booking for 6-7 months.
“There can be no throw or field events because we are not allowed. Venues like Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi and Kolkata all traditionally host so many events across the year but now nothing is possible,” he said.
Asked whether the federation had discussed the issue with the ministry, Valson said the only reason the Khelo India Games was held on the main Nehru stadium grounds because the AFI had threatened to pull out of the event.
In December last year, a group of athletes had even approached the Karnataka High Court questioning the use of the Kanteerava Stadium for football.
Anju alleged there had been plans to create a football field within the track at SAI’s Bengaluru centre as well but they were shelved after she protested.
“In Chennai during the last Nationals, the cage for hammer throw broke in the warm-up area. It’s a question the government has to answer — do they want to promote a sport for commercial success or make efforts to help produce world champions,” asked Valson.
Fed Cup mandatory
Meanwhile, the Federation Cup, to be held from March 5 to 8, is likely to see some of the top Indian names in action after Valson declared that participation was a must to be considered for India selection.
“Anyone who seeks selection for major events, including the CWG, must participate in the Federation Cup even if they have already achieved the qualification mark.
“The selection committee may not consider them if they do not take part.
“We also have to see them and assess them before finalising the squad,” he said.
