Indore: Marathon for sportswomen runs into controversy

Former Hockey India captain Dhanraj Pillay and other sportspersons took part in the ‘Run for Honour’ marathon in the city on Sunday to pay respect to the sportswomen and their performance in the Rio Olympics.

Former Hockey India captain Dhanraj Pillay and other sportspersons took part in the ‘Run for Honour’ marathon in the city on Sunday to pay respect to the sportswomen and their performance in the Rio Olympics.

Participants and organisers spar over distribution of awards. (Shankar Mourya/ HT Photo)

Around 500 people attended the marathon that was flagged off by Bollywood actor Zoya Afroz from Chimanbagh square.

The marathon, however, ran into a controversy after some participants shouted slogans against the organisers over alleged partiality in distribution of awards.

“A lot of people were not happy with the score which was being shown and complained that the bib had some technical problems,” said Saurabhi Sinha, a participant.

The press release issued by the organisers also did not have the names of the winners.

Many people also complained of lack of preparedness in the event. “There were no proper stops in between,” said Purvi Joshi, another participant.

The organisers, however, said the matter was “very trivial”.

“People were interested in getting pictures clicked with Pillay and the actress. This led to some altercation between them but the issue was later resolved,” said an organiser on the condition of anonymity.