The Khelo India State Center of Excellence for Rowing in Srinagar, inaugurated in 2021, is currently grappling with operational difficulties that threaten its mission to promote rowing in the region. Despite the promise of this initiative, the center has not been able to provide adequate facilities or coaching, leading to widespread frustration among local athletes and officials.
One of the major issues at the center is the lack of a residential wing, which significantly hinders the participation of outstation rowers. With no accommodations available, aspiring athletes are discouraged from attending training sessions, leading to a dramatic decline in player involvement. Officials report that only about 40 local school and college rowing enthusiasts, including 20 girls, have been shortlisted for the program, yet many have ceased training due to the logistical challenges they face.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that appointed scientific staff members are receiving salaries exceeding Rs 6 lakhs per month, sanctioned by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Delhi. This includes a dietitian, a physiotherapist, and two strength and conditioning staff members, all of whom are reportedly being paid for work that is not being performed effectively. Local players have expressed their dissatisfaction, suggesting that the funds allocated to salaries could be better utilized as scholarships for young athletes who are struggling financially. One player voiced concern, saying, "It is strange! Salary is being given to officials at the Srinagar Water Sports Centre for no work. The players are struggling due to a lack of financial support, but some officials are getting money for no work."
The Khelo India initiative was intended to create a vibrant sports ecosystem in the country, with the Srinagar center meant to play a pivotal role in the development of rowing. During its inauguration, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of promoting Olympic sports in India. However, the absence of a rowing coach at the center has compounded the difficulties. A coach named Vikram Sharma was appointed but left due to bureaucratic red tape, leaving the center without any coaching leadership.
Sarmad Hafeez, a senior official from Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the center was progressing as expected but declined to provide specific details about player participation. Meanwhile, Amar Jyoti, a senior official overseeing the Khelo India vertical, has been non-responsive to inquiries about the rowing center's operations, leaving stakeholders without critical information.
The financial backing for the Khelo India project in Srinagar has been significant, with a first-time grant of Rs 1.45 crore and a recurring grant of Rs 96 lakh approved. A total of Rs 5 crores has been allocated for the Khelo India initiatives in both Srinagar and Jammu. However, the other center in Jammu is reportedly facing similar operational challenges, further underscoring the systemic issues within the Khelo India program.
Despite having more than 20 Khelo India State Centers of Excellence spread across the country, many are struggling to function effectively. An SAI official mentioned that there is a proposal to review the entire project, indicating a recognition that the current framework may not be serving its intended purpose. As the Khelo India initiative seeks to bolster Olympic disciplines in India, it must address these operational shortcomings to fulfill its promise of nurturing talent and providing adequate support for aspiring athletes. The current situation at the Srinagar center serves as a stark reminder of the gaps that still need to be bridged to truly uplift sports at the grassroots level in the country.
