Probe 'Mismanagement' In Oz Tour Of Girls' Hockey Team: Sisodia

The Delhi government has ordered a probe into allegations of mismanagement by an Indian girls’ hockey team during their recent Pacific School Games in Australia. The girls' video protesting lack of facilities had gone viral on social media.

To look into the matter, Deputy CM Manish Sisodia has ordered an inquiry. “I am in recipient of a complaint about mismanagement and carelessness in taking care of students who have gone to Australia with the SGFI (School Games Federation of India) this year...,” he said, adding that he wants the inquiry to finish in a period of one month and the authorities to submit a report of action taken by January 19, 2018.

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The issue cropped up after a 15-year-old girl, identified as Nitisha Negi, drowned at the Glenelg Beach in Adelaide. Footballer Negi was part of the Pacific School Games. And while the team had gone to represent India, the Sports Authority of India has backed out from taking any responsibility of the matter.

“This is a serious matter. How can the department/management teams be so insensitive for the care and safety of their budding sportspersons, especially when they are girls who have gone for the first time in international exposure?”

They clarified that SAI had not given any sanction/approval for travel to the team and the coach.

“We all are aware of the unfortunate incident that took place where a brave and aspirant girl, Nitisha Negi, lost her life while few other girls were rescued safely,” said Sisodia, Hindustan Times reported.

“This is a serious matter. How can the department/management teams so insensitive for the care and safety of their budding sportspersons, especially when they are girls who have gone for the first time in international exposure,” he added.

The Deputy CM noted both the incidents and said that actions of the department are definitely amiss. He directed the secretary of education to appoint a competent officer to resolve the matter quickly.

“The inquiry should also be covering both the incidents that took place with the hockey and football players, the carelessness at SGFI, at the level of Sports Branch or at any other level,” he said.

Picture Credit: Tehelka