Host takes Kabadi players for a ride
BHAIRAHAWA, Sep 16 - The much-hyped International Kabadi League that started in Bhairahawa on Saturday was nothing more than fake propaganda to earn money, if the participating players of India are to be believed.
The ogranisers had publicised the event as an international meet which would feature players from U.S., Sweden, Norway, Pakistan, UK and Argentina. But it instead featured Indians and Nepalis in the lineups of all participating countries.
The cheating became apparent only after India, one of the competitors in the event, raised an issue with the organisers that their countrymen featured in the lineups of other countries. Following the Indian complaint, the event was disrupted for about three hours on Tuesday, the final day.
The players have accused the organisers of raising a lot of money from the registration fee of the players. They alleged Rs. 5,500 each was charged from the total of 250 players.
“The organisers cheated us by promising an international field. But there were only Indians and Nepalis playing from all the nations,” said coach Daljeet Singh of Sheree Punjab Team of India.
The players also alleged that the organisers had not provided them with proper food and accommodation befitting their entry fee. There was a scuffle the players and the hosts as Indian players demanded their money back. Police intervention was needed to bring the situation under control.
The international players didn't even have passports and official letters from their respective countries, the players accused. According to a source, the organisers capitalised on the fact that the Indian Army and the Indian Police usually give priority to those athletes who have had international exposure and won international medals while hiring.
The organisers, however, claim not to have indulged in any wrongdoing. Gyan Dev Hatwal, coordinator of the event, and Shaym Basyal, coordinator of the Nepal Kabadi, Eastern Branch, said in unison that the argument was nothing more than a minor misunderstanding between players and organisers. They justified the entry fee for the tournament and denied the claim by Indian wrestlers that they had been cheated.
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