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No flush, no water as gymnastics coach feels hazards of residence
“Try to live in the Village, and you will know the reality,” said Vladimir Chertkov, the chief coach of the Indian gymnastics team, who arrived in the Capital late on Friday night.
“Try to live in the Village, and you will know the reality,” said Vladimir Chertkov, the chief coach of the Indian gymnastics team, who arrived in the Capital late on Friday night.
This is the first time an Indian team has come out and said that conditions in the Village are unhygienic, filthy and unfit for humans.
Apart from the much talked about cleanliness issue, the coach also complained about malfunctioning of the locks, flushes in the toilets, phones and even TVs.
“Nothing works, absolutely nothing. Not even the phone nor the TV,” said Chertkov.
One of the athletes, who did not wish to be named, revealed, “Once you have used the flush, you wouldn't be able to use it again. The lock system is weird and malfunctioned on many occasions. It's irritating.”
Chertkov was aghast at the condition of his room from the moment he entered it.
“I was like shocked. The floor was so dirty. I go on and see empty water bottles, loose pins and screws, remains of a scratched wall all over the floor.”
Not just that, the coach had to do all the cleaning on his own. “I opened my cabinet and I see dust everywhere. It took me around one and a half hours before I could finally put my clothes inside.”
The players also nodded in agreement with the coach.
“There was no electricity in the morning. We kept checking the electrical appliances and lights, but nothing would work.”
Expressing their displeasure, the players said, “While in the flight, we saw beautiful pictures of the Village in one of the magazines. But it certainly wasn't the true picture.” In addition to that the coach also complained of lack of hot water, the reason why he couldn't take a shower before going to practice. “The only saving grace is clean bed-sheets. Don't give me anything but at least give me basic amenities,” said a disappointed Chertkov.
