Indian hockey team in Australia alleges mismanagement, SAI defends
Two days ago, a video of Indian hockey players in Australia complaining about lack of facilities went viral. A girls' team alleged mismanagement and absence of basic amenities including food at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. They have already missed two matches, they claimed. However, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has stated the team didn't even have their approval. All details here.
What was the video about?
In the video, one of the players called Lalita is heard complaining that the team wasn't given proper food or transportation in Adelaide. Expenses of $200,000-300,000 per girl had to be borne by the families. They had already missed two matches due to mismanagement, they claimed. The coach Pradeep Kumar backed the girls' allegations. The video has been shared 25,000 times.
Sports Minister orders probe into incident
In response, SAI tweeted, "No Govt. Of India sanction/approval for travel has been accorded to the team and coach featured in the video circulating on social media. Neither has @TheHockeyIndia approved or sanctioned the tour." However, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore has ordered a probe in the incident that "brought disrepute to the nation". The Forum for Indian Australians has reached out to the team.
'Some confusion initially, all under control now'
According to the FIA, "(Pradeep Kumar) advised that though there was some initial miscommunication which lead (sic) to some confusion, the situation is under control now. He also went on to clarify that they do not seek any help from anyone at any level."
