Poaching may affect Maharashtra's prospects in National Games

Pune, Feb 5 (UNI) Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) has expressed confidence that sportspersons from the state will be able to bring home a rich haul of medals from the Guwahati National Games, notwithstanding many outstanding sportspersons have been lured away by other states.

Addressing reporters here today, MOA secretary general Balasaheb Landge said out of 32 disciplines in the February 9 to 18 Games 500-member Maharashtra contingent will be vying for honours in 28.

Unfortunately, however, the men's team will not be participating in kabaddi, which is a popular game in the state.

Landge, who is also the secretary general of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), claimed that sportspersons from the state will garner a large number of medals in disciplines like grappling, cycling (both men and women), kho-kho, swimming, diving, waterpolo and athletics.

To a question on the poor monetary incentives to Maharashtra sportspersons which could affect their performance, he said the MOA had in the past recommended to the state government that cash awards to the tune of Rs three lakh, Rs two lakh and Rs one lakh respectively be given to the gold, silver and bronze medal winners.

However, a final decision in this regard is yet to be taken, he said.

Many outstanding sportspersons from Maharashtra have been lured away by other states like Jharkhand and Uttaranchal on lucrative monetary and job offers. Admitting this, an MOA official on condition of anonymity told UNI that the state government should endeavour to prevent this migration by offering similar incentives.

Meanwhile, referring to the law and order situation in Guwahati, Landge assured that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the sportspersons and officials.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, too, has assured that the Games will be held without any fear or hindrance. A team of IOA officials has surveyed and reported that adequate security arrangments were in place for the Games.

The MOA, meanwhile, had conducted a 12-day coaching camp at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports City at Balwadi near here for all disciplines of sports in which the state will be participating.

Landge informed that the state wrestling, cycling, kabaddi (women), swimming, and athletics teams have already left for Guwahati.

UNI