CHAUHAN BATS FOR TRANSPARENCY, BETTER FACILITIES

Like in his heyday, former Indian cricket opener Chetan Chauhan hit his first boundary as sports minister on Thursday by warning UP sports directorate officials against ‘wrong practices’ in selection of cricketers in sports hostels and colleges. “The selection process of cricketers in hostels and colleges will be made transparent. We will ensure there is no pressure on selectors,” Chauhan said soon after administrating oath of cleanliness to UP Sports Directorate officials. “I will monitor the selection process. Being a selector in cricket in the past, I never accepted any pressure on me,” said Chauhan, 69, who has represented India in 40 Tests and seven ODIs. He was referring to alleged mass-bungling in selection process of cricketers at the Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, where over 50 plus inmates were given ‘back door’ entry. An inquiry report is still gathering dust. Admissions to the sports college have been stopped since then. Chauhan also promised action against errant officials. “If required, the government will try to rope in foreign coaches so that talent can be nurtured,” he said. He admitted that being an international cricketer in the past, he understood the problems of sportspersons. Mentioning his priorities for the betterment of sports, Chauhan said he would ensure maximum utilisation of existing infrastructure by the sportspersons. “Sports will be co-related with health and better training facilities for the sportspersons,” he said.