Para-Athlete Tweets PM About Poor Facilities At Sports Venue

Indian para-athlete Suvarna Raj, a multi-medal winner, is prepping for the 18th National Para Athletics Championships in Panchkula. However, she is unhappy with poor facilities for the physically challenged at the venue.

Suvarna took to Twitter to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the disappointing situation at the venue. According to the athlete, apparently even the toilets are not accessible.

Sports management in India has hit its nadir. And, many athletes are bearing the brunt of it.

"The facilities that should be there for the para-athletes were not provided," Suvarna said in Panchkula on Sunday (March 25)

She tweeted: "Sir now is 11:25 pm, we two women with disabilities are standing on the road at Tau Devilal Stadium, Panchkula. There is no anyone from PCI (Paralympic Committee of India) to help us. We can't use the toilets here because toilets are not accessible, they people doing same and insulting us…"

@narendramodi Sir now is 11:25 PM, we two women with disabilities are standing on the road at Tau Devilal Stadium,Panchkula. There is no anyone from PCI to help us. We can't use the toilets here because toilets are not #accessible, they people doing same & insulting us @Ra_THORe https://t.co/SFVD0ErSq8

— Suvarna Raj (@suvarnapraj) March 24, 2018

Suvarna told reporters that after she complained, the authorities shifted her with an attendant to Kisan Bhavan in Sector 14.

"The new accommodation provided is somewhat better. When I raised my voice, we were shifted to Kisan Bhavan, where rooms are at least clean although toilets are not accessible. But I want to ask what about other 2,000-2,500 players who are taking part in the event," she asked.

Other para-athletes, who are taking part in the championship, are facing challenges every day, with similar or worse situations

"How can I use the toilet. It is narrow and wheelchair cannot go inside. The authorities should have made proper arrangement. Moreover, the rooms too where we have been put up are not in good condition. In some rooms, LPG cylinders have been kept inside, raising safety concerns," said another athlete.

READ: Delhi Athletes Returning From Games Forced To Sleep On Train Floor

In response, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar told reporters, "We have not got any complaint from anyone so far. When we get a complaint, we will try to redress it."

This is not the first time that Suvarna Raj has complained against authorities. Last year, she was forced to sleep on the floor of a train she was travelling in. She alleged she was allotted an upper berth on the Nagpur-Delhi train. The 34-year-old wheelchair-bound athlete was denied a lower berth, despite repeated requests.

This is shameful, to say the least! When will organisers learn to treat our sportspersons right?

Also Read: Heena Sidhu Bows Out Of Iran Games Over Hijab

Feature Image Credit: Hindustan Times

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