New Delhi, Nov 3: Toast of the nation three months ago, India’s first ever lawn bowls medallists at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games are fast fading into oblivion, searching for sponsors for their next assignment.
The women’s team comprising a school teacher from Delhi and police constables had won the historic gold at the picturesque greens of Victoria Park near Birmingham.
The men’s team consisting of an aspiring pilot and a couple of Jharkhand police officials followed up with an unprecedented silver to cap off a dream run at the Games. It was the first time that India managed to win a medal since the sport’s inception way back in 1930.
Navneet Singh, the youngest member of the men’s fours team, had hoped his life would change while standing at the podium on a glorious August 6 afternoon. But much to his disappointment, “all of them” are back to where they were three months ago.
The Bowling Federation of India was supposed to send a two member team to New Zealand later this month for Champions of Champions tournament but backed due to financial constraints.
“The cost was coming down to Rs 7 lakh person and athletes generally arrange the money on their own. We are hoping that we will get the central government recognition soon so that we don’t have to worry about funds for training and competition,” Bowling Federation of India treasurer Krishan Bir Singh Rathi told PTI.
The 27-year-old Navneet, who picked up the sport during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi 12 years ago, also expressed his disappointment. “We thought things would change but they have not yet. We are hoping the government recognition comes through soon so that we are able to plan our competition calendar much in advance,” said the athlete, who had missed his flying exam to represent India at the CWG. (PTI)
