Delay in clearing WUG team creates confusion

With 10 days to go for the World University Games in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, confusion prevails over the participation of the 70-member Indian contingent in six disciplines in the mega event beginning August 12.

With 10 days to go for the World University Games in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, confusion prevails over the participation of the 70-member Indian contingent in six disciplines in the mega event beginning August 12.

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"It's strange that the ministry first sanctioned Rs 45 lakh for the camp and is now not clearing the team. Any delay in clearance will add to more confusion among players," said a camper.

Though the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has collected the passports of players for visa formalities, there wasn't any development on the ministry front. Injeti Srinivas, the ministry's joint secretary, was not available comment.Sources in the Sports Authority of India (SAI) said that since the ministry hadn't given its nod, the players were a confused lot. They are yet to receive their ceremonial kit and travel details. For a team boarding the flight on August 10, they should have received the kit by now. Preparatory camps in six disciplines — athletics, archery, badminton, shooting, swimming and tennis — have been going on since the first week of July across the country.

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Sources in SAI said there had been complaints in tennis and shooting disciplines, which is why clearance had been stalled. Since SAI executive director (Teams), PC Kashyap, is abroad, other officials could throw little light on the issue.