The national tennis federation has lashed out at the sports secretary for making baffling suggestions such as hiring Physical Training (PT) teachers to unearth fresh talent and demanding a one-page proposal for two editions of the Olympic Games.
The All India Tennis Association (AITA), along with 10 other national federations (NSFs), was invited by sports secretary Radhey Shyam Julaniya for a video conference on Thursday.
AITA secretary general Hironmoy Chatterjee, while talking to PTI, said they were "extremely disappointed" by the attitude of Julaniya, who "only talks and does not want to listen".
Chatterjee said since no agenda was circulated, they went into the meeting thinking the government will ask them what the entire tennis fraternity is doing in lockdown and its expectations from the government. However, none of that happened, said the AITA official.
"He said 'this is a general discussion and everything should be on your finger tips', including the proposal for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics," Chatterjee shared his frustration.
"When I said the proposal for these Olympics have already been submitted, he said 'don't send me too many books (papers), I just want one page'. You tell me, can you give proposals for two Olympic Games on one page? He neither wants to read, nor listen," he explained.
More From This Section
Julaniya, on his part, said the government is obligated to question NSFs.
"When a review takes place every federation is accountable. As NSFs, it is their responsibility is to see that the sport develops and if that doesn't happen we have every right to question them.
"If they are unhappy that is their problem. They can accuse us but being in the government it is our responsibility to ensure that the sport develops," he told PTI.
Taking more potshots at Julaniya, Chatterjee said he was left stunned when the sports secretary suggested that PT teachers in schools could help them find fresh tennis talent.
"He has no understanding of sport. I tried to make him understand that in tennis we don't need to scout, our system is based on rankings.
"But he said 'no you involve PT teachers in school to scout talent, champions will emerge from poor kids at district level'. He just wanted to talk and not listen."