In a video, which surfaced on social media on Tuesday, several female players at a state-level girl’s Kabaddi tournament in UP’s Saharanpur are seen being served food from plates kept on the floor of a toilet, according to media report.
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called for strong action after the video went viral.
“Such a shame!” Chaturvedi tweeted. “Can’t provide basic facilities to our sportspersons but expect them to win medals for the state/nation.” The Shiv Sena leader urged the UP government to sack the officials responsible for the alleged incident.
The video shows young athletes serving themselves rice, dal and other dishes from large vessels placed on the floor of a toilet at a stadium in Saharanpur. The vessels appear to be right next to a row of urinals. A plate full of pooris is also seen wrapped in some paper.
The Congress party also condemned the incident and lashed out at the BJP government. “Daughters who play Kabaddi for UP are being served food kept in toilet. The BJP government which has all the money to spend to advertise their lies doesn’t have money to provide good facilities to our players. Such a shame” tweeted Congress.
Saharanpur District Magistrate Akhilesh Singh said irregularities regarding food served to players had come to light, following which district sports officer Animesh Saxena has been suspended. An inquiry has been ordered and a report will be submitted in two-three days, said Singh.
Taking cognisance of the incident, Union sports minister Anurag Thakur said, “I've directed strict action against the accused contractor and officers. I have also directed that the contractor be blacklisted for the future.”