Dream shattered: State Sports Council’s negligence deprives Kerala athlete a debut at Bahrain Kabaddi event

Thiruvananthapuram: A teenage kabaddi player’s chance to represent India has been lost due to the negligence of the State Sports Council, shattering her dreams of competing at the Asian Junior Championship.

Anjitha, a plus-two student from Arumanoor MVHSS, was selected for the Indian camp to be held in Bahrain, but officials failed to inform her on time. The council has since suspended two employees over the lapse.

The National Federation had notified the State Sports Council by e-mail on August 23 that Anjitha, the only player from Kerala, had been chosen as the ninth-ranked player for the Indian camp. She was required to submit documents, including her passport, to the federation before August 31.

However, the Sports Council, which has been handling kabaddi administration for years due to disputes within the state association, did not inform Anjitha or her family. As a result, her spot was given to another player.

Council president Sharaf Ali admitted there had been serious negligence and said further inquiry is underway. Employees Vani Mookambika and Vinitha V Jayan were suspended in connection with the case.

Anjitha’s father, Suresh, is a labourer, while the Herculean Kabaddi Club in Parassala has been providing her training and support. Her sister, Anjana, also plays kabaddi. Coach Sachin said all of Anjitha’s documents, including her passport, had been prepared in advance, as she was confident of her selection.