#NewsBytesInvestigation: Nepotism in India's Sambo Federation killing deserving athletes' chances
Sambo, a Russian combat-sport came to India, 25 years ago, but has failed to produce even one player of International stature. It's because of rampant nepotism in the Sambo Federation of India (SFI), alleged athlete Meenu Poonia. Poonia, a national-level gold medalist alleged SFI's secretary Ram Sharma ignored deserving athletes during selection for Asian Games, Jakarta. We spoke to Poonia to understand the problem.
Allegedly, SFI's secretary ignored medals, proposed his children's names
Speaking to us, Poonia said she won a National Medal in the sport but the federation didn't send her for an international tournament. "I have been pleading them for the last eight months, but to no avail," she said. So who was sent then? "The names of Sharma's daughter-in-law Rishal Sharma and son Shrikant were proposed by the federation," told Poonia.
Further, Poonia says she's more deserving than the new mother
When we told Poonia the federation could deny these serious allegations and say they recommended the best, Poonia said that wasn't possible. "I don't think I am at the wrong side here. The federation sent Rishal Sharma, daughter-in-law of the secretary, who delivered a baby recently. She has a four-month-old baby. How is she more qualified than me?" she asks.
It feels my career has stopped after nationals, says Poonia
"I participated in national games in Bihar from Rajasthan in the 68-weight category and won gold. I have been practising regularly, but still, haven't been sent for tournaments. There have been 5 international tournaments, and I feel my career has stopped after nationals," Poonia said.
Apparently, the federation didn't entertain the idea of open trials
Further, Poonia went on to say she asked for an open trial but the federation didn't listen. Notably, Rishal Sharma was disqualified after documents reached Indian Olympic Association. She had other complaints too. Poonia alleged she asked federation to send documents of a trial, that happened on June 18-19, but they didn't. "I'm a government employee and have to submit these documents," Poonia said.
Poonia says Sharma's son was recommended without competing in nationals
"The federation sent Shrikant, Sharma's son, for Asian Games. The addresses of Shrikant keep changing. He doesn't participate in nationals but is sent on international tournaments. You won't even find videos of his fight," Poonia told us, when asked if there were other examples.
The question is: How can one man run the show?
We asked Poonia how Sharma build his clout for all these years. She said people are elected to these positions and there aren't any transfers. But didn't she contact other seniors? "I did. I even wrote to the Sports Ministry but didn't get a response. I just read in newspapers that Rishal was disqualified from Asian games by IOA," Poonia said.
Poonia went on to say she was threatened too
Speaking about her journey, Poonia said she opted out of 2016 games because of injury, and this time Sharma hindered her chances. She alleged the federation threatened to put a ban of 3 years on her. Wasn't she scared? "I just want people to know what's happening," she said. When we tried to reach out Sharma, his cell was switched off. This story will be updated if and when we get a reply.
