Indian Commonwealth Games (CWG) para athletics gold medalist Dilip Mahadu Gavit and silver medalist Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi have filed formal complaints with the Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). They allege rude and disrespectful behavior from an IOA media committee member during the recent Games in Glasgow. The complaints seek action against the official for alleged misconduct towards the country's para athletes.[timesofindia+2]
Allegations of Disrespect
The complaints specifically name Sarvesh Kedia, an IOA media committee member. Kedia traveled to Glasgow as one of the Indian contingent's press attachés and was assigned to the chef-de-mission's office. Para athletics coach Pushpa NP, who was part of the Indian contingent, also filed a separate complaint. She alleged that Kedia "was talking loudly with our medal winners Dilip Gavit and Basil and coaches." The incident reportedly involved Kedia and chief para athletics coach Satyanarayana.[timesofindia+3]
Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) CEO Rahul Swami has also submitted a similar complaint to both the Sports Ministry and the IOA. The complaints highlight a pattern of alleged misconduct that deeply upset members of the para athletics contingent.[timesofindia+1]
Incident During Historic Games
The alleged incident took place on July 30 in Glasgow. This was shortly after Dilip Mahadu Gavit made history by clocking 10.71 seconds in the men's T47 100m race. His performance set a new Games record and secured India's first-ever male para athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Mohammed Basil Morssinganakathi followed this achievement by winning the silver medal in the same event with a season-best time of 10.83 seconds, completing a historic 1-2 finish for India.[timesofindia+4]
Sources indicate that a heated argument broke out between Kedia and chief para athletics coach Satyanarayana. The dispute reportedly centered on facilitating the athletes' media interactions before they proceeded for mandatory dope-control procedures. The exchange allegedly escalated into a brief physical altercation. Coaches and athletes reportedly intervened to defuse the situation. The incident left several members of the para athletics contingent deeply disturbed.[timesofindia+6]
India's para-athletes had a standout performance at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, winning seven medals in total. This marked the country's best-ever campaign in para athletics and ended a 20-year wait for an Indian para athletics podium finish at the Games. The team secured three gold medals, contributing significantly to India's overall medal tally. These inspiring achievements included three double-podium finishes.[hindustantimes+6]
Calls for Action and Future Measures
The formal complaints lodged by the athletes, coaches, and PCI officials seek appropriate disciplinary action against Sarvesh Kedia. Coach Pushpa NP specifically urged authorities to ensure that Kedia "is not involved in any para athletics media interaction" in the future. The complainants believe that such behavior is unacceptable, especially given the athletes' historic achievements and the respect they deserve. The Sports Ministry and the Indian Olympic Association are now tasked with investigating these serious allegations.[timesofindia+4]
The focus has shifted from celebrating the para-athletes' triumphs to addressing the controversy. The para-athletes' success in Glasgow was a testament to their hard work and resilience. The complaints underscore the importance of maintaining a supportive and respectful environment for all athletes, particularly those who have brought such honor to the nation. The outcome of these complaints will be crucial in ensuring accountability and fostering a better atmosphere for Indian sports.[hindustantimes+1]
