Government clears Commonwealth Youth Games squad at no cost after in-principle clearance.

CHENNAI: It is believed that the government has declined to support the teams with less than a week to go and after the Commonwealth Youth Games selection process is complete. This happened after the government in principle consented to send the teams, if Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officials are to be believed. It’s noteworthy that this occurred just a few days after the Asian Games disqualified teams for failing to meet the requirements of the sports ministry.

The freshly elected IOA body was sending competitors to a multi-discipline competition for the first time. Aquatics, athletics, cycling, and triathlon teams were chosen, and they were scheduled to depart for Trinidad and Tobago on August 1. The Games will take place from August 4 through August 11. The sports ministry’s letter took the IOA off guard, and IOA president PT Usha replied to the ministry asking it to reevaluate its choice.

IOA claims that the sports ministry gave its preliminary approval for Indian athletes to compete in the Commonwealth Youth Games in April. The letter at the time identified 33 participants and added that financial assistance will be given in accordance with ministry standards and might fall under a programme to help national sports federations (NSFs). A 35-person squad comprised of 24 athletes and 11 officials competing in four disciplines has been announced by the IOA. The CEO-cum-joint secretary was informed of the sports ministry’s decision to sanction the visit but without money in a letter dated July 28.

In response, the IOA said that it may harm the young players’ morale and rob them of a crucial chance for development. The budget was also not excessive. According to what is known, the IOA had estimated spending $2.55 crores for the entire trip, with the majority of the money going towards purchasing tickets. They want to travel to Trinidad and Tobago by way of flights through Mexico and Amsterdam. Even ceremonial and other kitting had been completed, and some payments, such as those for subsidised housing, had already been made.