The coaching positions in state sports hostels are lying vacant. For almost 10 years, no new appointments have been made. Instead of hiring qualified coaches, the sports department has brought in police officers from the Home Department to provide training to athletes. Here is our report.
Coaching Responsibilities in the Hands of Police
Sports Department Relies on State Police !
Take a close look at this letter. Across various sports hostels in the state, 34 junior coach and 5 senior coach positions are vacant. However, it has been alleged that no new appointments have been made in the last 10 years. Information obtained under the Right to Information Act reveals that in places where coach positions are vacant, police officers from the Home Department have been deputed to provide training. This has raised concerns.
Many young individuals in the state have completed diploma degrees from the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala, but they are still unemployed. The government is not providing jobs to those who have pursued relevant training. Senior players and sports experts have expressed concern, stating that if this continues, Odisha’s sports sector will not progress but instead deteriorate further.
If trained coaches are available but not appointed, and instead, reliance is placed on police officers, it raises doubts about the progress of sports in Odisha. Even after the new government has been in office for seven months, no changes have been made to the practices carried forward from the previous administration. This has led to dissatisfaction among stakeholders.
