Commonwealth Games 2014: Selection issues might stop Indian gymnasts from featuring in the multi-sport event

Ashish Kumar celebrates after winning the bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games

Indian gymnast Ashish Kumar won two medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. His dream of replicating that performance at Glasgow seems a distant dream now. The Sports ministry has not cleared gymnasts for their participation in the games due to irregularities in the selection of athletes and coaches.

Three athletes have complained to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) after their omission from the five-member squad.

According to sports ministry sources, a section of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) selected five gymnasts during the selection trials last week. Ashish Kumar and Rakesh Patra were the first to book their berths in the team. The dispute started when third ranked Ikraar Hasan of Railways, fifth ranked Sanjeev Burman of Services and Abhijit Shinde were left out.

All three athletes have now complained to sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

There was also dissention over selection of the coaches. Ashish’s coach DK Rathore and chief coach GS Bawa were replaced by UK Mishra and American Jim Holt.

The Railways have taken up Ikraar’s issue with the SAI. According to sources, SAI have recommended Ikraar and Sanjeev to be included in the squad. They also want Rathore to be named the coach.

The GFI rejected these recommendations citing time constraint. Only two names are finalised at the moment.