Olympian Boxer Ashish Urges Support from Himachal CM for Athletes' Training Challenges
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Synopsis
Olympian boxer Ashish Chaudhary has reached out to Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, requesting support for state athletes struggling with limited training time, which hampers their performance on national and international stages.
Key Takeaways
- Ashish Chaudhary highlights training issues faced by state athletes.
- Requests intervention from CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
- Lack of preparation time is a significant hurdle for competition.
- Other athletes in sports like Handball and Kabaddi experience similar challenges.
- Emphasizes the need for state support to improve athlete performance.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Olympian boxer Ashish Chaudhary has appealed to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for assistance in addressing the obstacles that state athletes encounter in obtaining dedicated training time.
In a letter directed to the Chief Minister, Ashish emphasized the necessity for enhanced support for athletes, highlighting that insufficient preparation time poses a significant barrier for Himachal athletes competing at both national and international levels.
In a conversation with IANS, Ashish noted, "Yes, athletes from Himachal are encountering numerous difficulties."
"As an Olympian hailing from the state, it is disheartening to convey that I am facing considerable challenges in consistently progressing my sports career. Achieving excellence in sports demands years of committed training. Athletes from other states and departments receive a full year of on-duty leave to prepare for national and international competitions. Unfortunately, my department does not offer me such leave for training in my sport," Ashish stated in a letter he shared on social media, tagging CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
"How can I continue my training effectively and deliver strong performances? How can I represent my country if I am not afforded sufficient time for practice?"
"I am not alone in facing this challenge. Handball and Kabaddi players from the state are also grappling with similar issues. The athletes we compete against are from the Army, Railways, Haryana, Punjab, and other states, where they receive year-round leave for training. This creates a substantial disadvantage for us, as we have very limited preparation time, while they benefit from ample training opportunities."
"Consequently, athletes from our state seldom reach prestigious platforms like the Olympics. In various editions of the Olympics, not a single athlete from Himachal Pradesh has qualified. Even when one does, they lack sufficient support," the letter articulated.
The 30-year-old boxer from Mandi asserted that despite being affiliated with the Sports Authority of India’s National Center of Excellence (SAI NCOE), he does not receive on-duty leave for training, unlike athletes from other states and departments.
"I earnestly request you to implement the necessary measures to alleviate this issue and support athletes. I am part of the Sports Authority of India’s National Center of Excellence (SAI NCOE), where athletes excelling at the international level receive training to sustain and enhance their performance. However, even when the SAI NCOE issues a relieving letter for my training, my department does not grant me release based on it. Instead, I am compelled to utilize my earned leave for training purposes."
"I hope this message reaches you and that you take constructive action in the best interest of the athletes," it concluded.
Ashish clinched a silver medal at the 2019 Asian Championships and a gold medal at the 2019 Thailand Open International Boxing Tournament. He also represented India in the middleweight category during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
