Fencing athlete siblings from Tamil Nadu have raised alarming allegations, claiming that the fencing association is coercing them to pay a commission ranging from 15% to 25% from the scholarship they receive. In response to this issue, the duo petitioned to Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Tamil Nadu.
The allegations came to light during an event organized by the Department of Youth Welfare and Sports Development in Chennai, which aimed to recognize and reward athletes for their achievements in the International, National, and Khelo India Youth Games. At the award ceremony, siblings Godwin and Jeferlin presented a petition letter on stage and later spoke to news reporters, revealing their grievances. Additionally, they released three audio recordings containing conversations between themselves and members of the Kanyakumari district association, as well as the coach.
பரிசு வாங்குனா பங்கு கொடுக்கணுமாம்..உதயநிதியிடம் மனு..அதிர்ச்சி ஆடியோக்கள்…வாள்வீச்சு சங்கத்தில் என்ன நடக்கிறது? #FencingPlayer #fencingsport #MinisterUdhayanidhiStalin #viralaudio #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/efpjU9pOHC
— News Tamil 24×7 | நியூஸ் தமிழ் 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) February 25, 2024
In a conversation with news reporters, fencing athlete Godwin said, “The district secretary, our coach from the Kanyakumari Fencing Club’s coach, and the convener Karunamurthy sir in the state association are mentally torturing us by saying that we must give money or else we will not be allowed to play and we will not be allowed to progress in anything.“
Female athlete Jeferlin expressed that she faced mental pressure before the competition, stating, “They are pressurizing us mentally before the competition, and threatening us if we raise any questions, they are threatening saying we will not let you play fencing for Tamil Nadu, asking what will you achieve, we will end your career and demanded percentage of 25%, 50% on any scholarship that we get, I want, the association wants, should give to the minister, to give here and there.”
In the revealed first audio recording, the Secretary of the Kanyakumari District Fencing Association, Amritaraj, is heard pressuring the fencing athlete Godwin regarding a commission. Amritaraj mentions an amount of twenty lakhs and urges Godwin to be resilient despite financial difficulties. The conversation suggests that Godwin is being compelled to pay ten lakhs for him and another ten lakhs for her sister, and Amritaraj implies potential repercussions if the athlete fails to comply.
Amritaraj inquired, “Did you put twenty?” Athlete Godwin responded, “Twenty is hard for now, sir” In a stern tone, Amritaraj retorted, “Okay you don’t spend so much, remain in the hardship, I will take care of that hardship okay.” He persisted, insinuating, “It seems other children are not suffering you are the only one suffering.” Athlete Godwin explained, “No sir, they said do not have in my home.” Amritaraj, in a desperate tone, issued a threat, stating, “Even for her, your home does not have ten lakh rupees, you too… I will not let you do anything. You cannot play for Tamil Nadu okay, I will not allow you to, others will play but not you, they will cut your name” Athlete Godwin asked “How much should I pay sir”, Amritaraj angrily said “You do not need to pay, I will not let you play, you will not play for Tamil Nadu.”
In the released second audio, a conversation unfolded between the coach Selva Kumar and female fencing athlete Jeferlin. During the dialogue, the coach subjected her to repeated verbal abuse, using derogatory language. He made indecent allegations by comparing her to male friends and issued threats, stating that she would be stripped of all the medals she had earned. This mistreatment was allegedly linked to the coach seeking a commission. Notably, even when Jeferlin mentioned recording the conversation, the coach displayed arrogance and remained unafraid, possibly due to his influential position and support.
In the last and concluding audio disclosure, Nagappan, the former secretary of the TN Fencing Association, engaged in a conversation with the mother of the athletes. Expressing frustration over not receiving a commission, Nagappan criticized the mother for not informing the association about her siblings’ participation in an international event in Bahrain. Despite the mother’s denial and explanation that she was unaware of the need to inform the association, the audio also captured her mentioning that she had already given a commission of ten lakhs, which Nagappan acknowledged. Later in the conversation, she discloses the coach’s prejudice, indicating that the coach perceives her daughter as an adversary, leading to her daughter experiencing emotional distress as well.
Despite the state possessing considerable talent, its performance in national and international events falls short. This is attributed to the unwarranted interference of political influence and corruption in sports, creating an environment that hinders athletes from achieving their full potential and causes mental distress.
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