5 months on, Karnal players left fasting for diet funds, coaches for pay

Even as the state government claims to be working towards better facilities for budding sportspersons, the reality at the grassroots level narrates a different story. Players at sports nurseries across the district have not received their diet money for the past five months, while coaches of private nurseries continue to wait for their honorarium since April, the start of the new session. The shortage of budget is said to be the reason behind the delay, confirmed an official.

As per the information collected by The Tribune, the district has 54 private and 36 government nurseries, each with a strength of 25 players. The private nurseries are run either by gram panchayats or at government schools, with coaches employed on salaries ranging between Rs 20,000 and ?25,000 depending on their qualifications. The government nurseries, meanwhile, are run by state-appointed coaches.

Young players are entitled to a fixed monthly diet allowance: Rs 1,500 for those aged 8–14 and Rs 2,000 for players in the 15–19 age group. The money, transferred directly into players’ bank accounts, is meant to support their nutritional needs during training. However, since April, neither the players nor the coaches of private nurseries have received their dues.

“I have been training hard for kabaddi, but for five months, there has been no diet money. My parents are daily wage earners and cannot always provide the nutrition I need as a player,” said a 16-year-old player from a nursery in the rural area.

“Politicians say they want Haryana to produce Olympic champions, but how will that happen if the young players do not even get basic diet money on time?” said a hockey player.

Parents, too, are concerned that such negligence can demotivate children from pursuing sports seriously. “The government should understand that sports is not just about medals, but about supporting these kids from the ground up,” said Gurvinder Singh, father of a budding sportsperson.

The delay has left coaches equally frustrated. Many of them are continuing their duties despite not being paid for months.

“We are expected to train players, ensure their discipline, and prepare them for tournaments, but without our honorarium, it becomes very difficult. Some of us have to manage our families too and delay in honorarium is causing difficulties for us,” said a coach at a private nursery.

Officials admitted to the delay but assured that funds would soon be released.

Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Director of the department, said the delay was at the state level. “The issue is being taken up with the higher authorities on priority. The diet money for the players and honorarium for the coaches will be transferred soon,” he added.