Twenty-year-old city-based international archer Vennam Jyothi Surekha has won medals for the country against top class competitors across the world. But she lost to Andhra Pradesh administrators hands down.
Peeved at the step-motherly treatment meted out to her, this Koneru Lakshmaiah University student, after dominating the Indian archery scene for more than six years, wants to give up the game as no support is forthcoming from the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP).
She has won 17 international medals, including the Asian Games bronze medal at Incheon, South Korea, and more than 50 national medals in the premier domestic competitions. But all her efforts are yet to be recognised by SAAP with the prize money given to meritorious players yet to reach her.
Despite instructions from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, officials are yet to calculate the prize money in a proper manner. “The authorities had sent a letter that Surekha is eligible for Rs.16,19,500 but she should be paid more than Rs. 80 lakh for her international and national exploits,” feels Surekha’s father Surendra.
“Six months had lapsed and there is no response from SAAP. Recently, Sports Minister K. Atchannaidu also hauled up the officials but there is no response.”
Mr. Surendra says it was unfortunate SAAP was following G.O. (Ms 183/2000) which was issued in 2000 to decide the prize money criteria. “Even 16 years after the sports administrators are following the criteria. They have allotted a meagre sum of Rs.1,66,000 for an Asian Games medal whereas States like Haryana and Tamil Nadu gave more than Rs.25 lakh for an Asian Games medal.”
He also said the Chief Minister had instructed the officials through a letter to allot 500 square yards of land but SAAP was yet to respond.
“My parents have spent lakhs of rupees for advanced coaching in foreign countries and to buy quality equipment. I am becoming a burden to my family. Better I give up archery,” says Surekha, who is holding the 18 rank in the world.
New sports policy soon: SAAPSAAP Chairman P.R. Mohan agreed that there were no amendments to the existing sports policy for quite sometime and the new sports policy was waiting for the nod from the Chief Minister and the Cabinet. “We have taken care in drafting new sports policy. The new policy which will be released soon has clearly mentioned rewards for meritorious players winning medals in premier events.”
SAAP Managing Director Rekha Rani said the new policy would certainly help Surekha in getting more money though not what she claimed. “Andhra Pradesh government is with her as she is a very talented archer. But we need to go by the existing policy. Let me look into her case once again.”
