Ongoing Accommodation Issues Persist, Road Blockage Resolved for Swimmers at Uttarakhand National Games
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Synopsis
As swimmers arrive in Uttarakhand for the 38th National Games, significant accommodation issues have surfaced, with athletes staying far from the swimming venue. However, road blockages affecting practice access have been resolved thanks to escalated concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Accommodation for swimmers is far from the venue.
- Officials and athletes are in different locations.
- Travel times may hinder performance.
- Road closures initially caused delays.
- Organizers have adjusted routes for better access.
New Delhi, Jan 27 (NationPress) Swimmers arriving in Uttarakhand for the 38th National Games on Monday may encounter considerable challenges regarding their accommodation arrangements. Reports indicate that athletes will be lodged at Jim Corbett Park, situated 1.5 to 2 hours away from the swimming venue in Haldwani. Meanwhile, officials will be accommodated in Nainital, approximately 1.5 hours away in the opposite direction, creating a logistical obstacle for the swimmers during the Games.
In a conversation with IANS, SFI Secretary General Monal Choksi confirmed that the swimming venue is located in Haldwani and the nearest elite accommodations are about one and a half hours away in Bhimtal and Corbett. This situation poses a significant logistical challenge for athletes who will need to make four daily commutes, totaling nearly 5-6 hours of travel time, as each leg requires one and a half hours. This is not an ideal scenario.
When questioned if the federation had raised this concern with the organizers, Choksi noted that the hotel availability across different cities and lengthy commutes remain problematic. It remains uncertain how this will impact the athletes' performances. “Yes, we have flagged the issue with them (organizers), and I don’t believe they can fully resolve the problem due to the limited accommodation options in the city where the events are being held, particularly for the swimming discipline,” he added.
The National Games will kick off with an opening ceremony at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun, on January 28 and will continue until February 14. The aquatics events are set to take place from January 29 to February 4.
Additionally, the Triathlon event dates (January 26 to 30) overlap with swimming activities, causing road closures that delayed swimming athletes by up to 2 hours before they could reach the practice venue.
Choksi stated that after escalating the issue to higher authorities, the road closure complications are being addressed.
“After we brought it to the attention of the organizing committee, it was efficiently resolved. It appears they have modified the route for the triathlon event, which will prevent issues for travel to the aquatics venue due to the road closures,” he explained. “Once our athletes arrive today, we will have a clearer picture. I will also be there personally. They have assured us that they will change the route, so we expect positive outcomes,” Choksi concluded.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is organizing the 38th edition of the National Games, which will showcase 32 sports along with four demonstration events: Mallakhamb, Kalarippayattu, Rafting, and Yogasana.
