‘We don’t tell people here that we are Arjuna Awardees’

A mere glance at the Commonwealth Games preparatory camp for disabled powerlifters here reveals what sportspersons have to go through. Right from living conditions, food and mode of transport, everything leaves a bad taste, reports Saurabh Duggal.

A mere glance at the Commonwealth Games preparatory camp for disabled powerlifters here reveals what sportspersons have to go through. Right from living conditions, food and mode of transport, everything leaves a bad taste.

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“We don't tell anyone here that we are Arjuna Awardees. It would give bad name to the sport if people come to know that the winners of the highest sports award have to commute in autos in the camps,” said an Arjuna Awardee. The organisers, as usual, are ready with an excuse.

“We didn't get the money in advance. We can't spend such a huge amount from our pocket, so we are making do with what we have,” said Vijay Bhalachandra Munishwar, coach-cum-organiser of the camp.