Rage over Haryana govt plan
Sportspersons directed to pay 33% from endorsements to state; CM puts decision on hold
NEW DELHI: The Haryana government caused an upheaval on Friday by asking athletes employed with it to deposit one-third of their earnings from commercial and professional commitments to the state sports council.
However, following a howl of protests from the athletes, Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, tweeted that the notification has been put on hold. “I have asked for the relevant file of Sports Department to be shown to me; the notification dated 30th April to be put on hold till further orders. We are proud of the immense contribution by our sportspersons & I assure them of a just consideration of all issues affecting them,” he said.
Haryana principal secretary (sports and youth department), Ashok Khemka, had issued the notification directing athletes to part with 33 per cent of earnings from professional sports or endorsements. “The money shall be used for the development of sports in the state,” it had said. “In case the sportsperson is treated on duty with the prior approval of the competent authority while taking part in professional sports or commerfelicitation cial endorsements, the full income earned by the sportsperson on this account will be deposited with the Haryana State Sports Council.”
Haryana is one of the leading states in the country in sports. Boxers Vijender Singh, the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze winner who is now in the professional ranks, and ex-international Akhil Kumar are officers in the Haryana Police. Sardar Singh (hockey) and top wrestlers Geeta Phogat and sister Babita Phogat are also with Haryana Police.
Rio Olympic wrestling bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, employed with the state government, often features in advertisements. Athletes were united in criticising the government, saying it would be a major setback for sports development in the state.
Some athletes felt the government was hitting back at the athletes for boycotting a government function for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games medallist to protest the slashing of prize money.
Woman discus thrower Krishna Poonia, the 2010 CWG champion, said the government move, unless rescinded, will kill the enthusiasm of parents who encourage their children to take up sports.
“The official formulating the policy should remember nothing happens overnight. Players only get support when they reach a certain level,” she said. “During the formative stage, contribution of parents and close relatives can’t be ignored. And if at a later stage athletes get an opportunity to make a little bit of money, it should not be discouraged.”
Last year, at least five Haryana girls won medals in the World Women’s Youth Boxing Championships at Guwahati, but none of them had acknowledged the government’s role in their success while crediting the support of their parents.
“I fail to understand the logic of the state government,” Poonia said. “Some athletes are getting meagre salary but extra money earned through sponsorships will help them secure their future as most of them come from a humble background.”
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