New Delhi: Kabaddi players were served lunch in the toilet at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP). A video of this has surfaced and created an outrage on social media as people demand action against officials.
This video is said to be three days old and more than 300 players participated in the Under-17 State Level Kabaddi tournament which lasted for three days. The food given to the players was not of good quality. The pulses, vegetables, rice were raw and the food was prepared near the swimming pool, players said.
A team has been constituted for the investigation by the state government.
Akhilesh Singh, District Magistrate of Saharanpur has said that, “State level Kabaddi tournament was organized on 16th and 17th September. There were complaints of a poor system in it.
“The District Sports Officer has been suspended. I have ordered an inquiry into the matter.” and the person concerned will submit the report in three days. We will examine it in detail and take appropriate action.”
On September 16, girl players from many districts had come to the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium. They were served half-cooked rice for lunch. Many players did not even get bread. The player was seen filling their stomach with vegetables and salad. Rice and puris were prepared and kept in the toilet. It was becoming difficult to even stand there because of the foul smell.
The competition was organized at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sports Stadium. Teams from 17 divisions and one sports hostel participated in the competition. The arrangements for the stay and food of the players were in the stadium itself.
Over 300 players, only two cooks
More than 300 players and about two dozen officers-employees from across the state reached the competition. Only two cooks were employed to prepare food for them.
Sports officer Animesh Saxena says that construction work is going on in the stadium. Because of this there was no place here. Food was being prepared in the open. Due to the rain, the food was kept in the toilet. The rice had also arrived of poor quality. which was returned.