National coach kicks up controversy by calling Railways 'Enemies of Indian Sport'
National Athletics coach Nikolai Snesarev has slammed the Railway Sports Promotion Board for threatening Olympics-bound athletes – Sudha Singh, Lalita Babar and OP Jaisha, who are under his tutelage. The Belarussian revealed that the Railways has threatened to stop their salaries if they refuse to participate in Railways' cross country events ahead of the crucial Mumbai Marathon.
"They (Railway Sports Promotion Board) tell them if you don't come for Railways cross country, national cross country, we would 'stop your salary'. Railways department does not understand how important are such type of tournaments,” Snesarev was quoted as saying by the PTI.
"They insist to compete in national cross country just a week ahead of the much important Mumbai Marathon where top runners will compete. Imagine, if your boss tells you each week, several times a day 'I stop your salary, I stop your salary', how you would feel...
"They still are preparing for medals and I'm surprised they've not lost motivation. But mine is almost lost... You have to understand how to spoil their preparation for cross country preparation," exclaimed the 67-year-old.
Back in September, Snesarev sent a resignation letter to the Athletics Federation of India (AFI), citing the below standard facilities he has been provided to work with. However, he and the AFI officials later had a meeting with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and resolved the issue.
The Belarussian though, went on to claim that bureaucracy is the biggest enemy of sports in this nation, despite his love for the country.
"Now tell me who are killing these girls? They are enemies of Indian sport. In your country you kill the best. I am ready to leave any second this team but due to their dedication I'm still here.
"Secondly I love your country. From my childhood I love India. Soviet Union and India were very close. I remember the T-shirts I wore were 'made in India'. They are golden girls of your nation, of our nation - because I'm part of your country.
"They have improved their records five times in only year. And they are telling them to 'stop your salary, stop your salary'.
"Let me tell you. government allows the departments (Police, Customs, Railways) to pay their money to prepare for the tournaments and not for local completions," Snesarev added.
The renowned middle and long distance coach also pointed out how the athletes are not provided travel allowances to compete in national tournaments, but praised the SAI for eventually supporting them.
"They pay from their own pocket to compete in all competitions (except this invitational meet). For all nationals they pay their money to get tickets. I convey my best regards to Railways through the media.
"It's SAI who protected us from all this. Thanks to SAI, from October first time they paid for their air tickets.
"They arrange good camps now," he said.
Reportedly, the AFI has asked him to write a 400-word report on their preparation for the Olympics, which will be published on their website, and that has not gone down too well with the coach.
"Do you think I'm a writer? I don't have good skill for writing in English which is not even my native language... I sleep four-five hours a day. I wake up at 3.30am. I don't have enough time for analysis of their preparation," he told PTI.
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