The 3rd Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) got under way with competitions in three disciplines amid chaos in Guwahati on January 9.
Among others, the players, volunteers and journalists faced harassment at entry points due to delay in issue of accreditation cards.
Many players also didn’t receive the accreditations. Without the accreditations, no one was allowed to get inside the stadiums, which created trouble for the players and the journalists.
The sports-specific volunteers also had to stage protest at the office of the Directorate of Sports. Many of the volunteers did not receive their accreditation cards for which they were not allowed to get inside the venues. Although they were in the KIYG-authority provided dresses, they were denied entries as there was strict instruction from the police not to allow any unauthorised individuals inside the venue.
“We have not received the lunch packets. This is absolutely chaos this time. If this continues, to work here will be difficult,” said one of the volunteers who did not wish to be named.
The mediapersons, assigned to cover the event, also faced a similar fate. One senior journalist was misbehaved at the gate of Bhogeswari Phukanani Indoor stadium at Dispur Super Market.
“It was at around 11.45 am when I was trying to get inside the stadium, I was misbehaved by a security person standing at the gate. There was no signage at the point. I told them that we are yet to get the accreditation. When I tried to show my DIPR-issued identity card, the security person pushed my hand,” said the journalist.
He immediately informed the matter to Police Commissioner Munna Prasad Gupta.
Apart from that, local sports organizations expressed displeasure as they were not given invitation for the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration ceremony will take place on January 10 evening at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai Sports Complex.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, along with a host of star athletes, will be present during the inaugural ceremony.
Around 6,800 athletes across 37 (states and union territories) teams will compete in a total of 20 sports events, including new additions – lawn bowls and cycling, in eight venues across Guwahati, during the competition.
The total strength of participation at the games is 10,000, including athletes, officials, volunteers and support staff.
