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The Sports Ministry and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have reportedly prioritized the needs of star athletes over other support staff, forcing a masseur to relinquish his spot in the Paris Olympics 2024 Games Village. Vijay Kamboj, a dedicated masseur with the boxing team, will be replaced by PV Sindhu's mentor, Prakash Padukone, and later by Vinesh Phogat's personal coach, Woller Akos, as per Tribune.
This decision has sparked outrage and highlights the Ministry's long-standing practice of catering only to the demands of high-profile athletes. Sources have revealed that officials often prioritize the demands of star athletes and keep the other athletes below in the pecking order. This has led to a system where stars' needs are always fulfilled first, even if it means compromising the needs of other athletes.
"We have somehow made a system where stars' demands are always met, and we ignore other athletes," a source said (via Tribune).
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Vijay Kamboj to stay in a hotel; to travel daily to Paris Olympics 2024 Games Village and Arena
Kamboj will now be forced to stay in a hotel and travel daily to the Games Village or the North Paris Arena, where the boxing competition will be held at the Paris Olympics 2024. This will not only cause inconvenience but also add to the financial burden. However, the masseur will still receive dearness and meal allowances from the government.
"Prakash and the wrestling coach could have been housed outside and still could enter the Village through daily passes. The masseur was needed with the team in the Village, but like I said, stars' needs will always be prioritized even if it hurts others," the source added.
This incident raises questions about the Ministry's commitment to supporting all athletes equally. Vinesh Phogat had previously complained about the absence of her physiotherapist at the Tokyo Olympics, which she claimed affected her performance.
The Sports Authority of India officials, including TOPS CEO Commodore (retd) PK Garg, were unavailable for comments. This move just before the start of the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked a debate about the Ministry's priorities and the treatment of support staff.
