State duty-bound to foster a vibrant sports culture: HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that the state is duty-bound to create an environment that fosters a vibrant sports culture and promotes the well-being of its citizens, while observing that promising sportspersons are often hindered by inadequate coaching, delayed stipends, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited opportunities to showcase their talent.

Referring to the systemic challenges faced by athletes, the Bench asserted, “we rejoice high profile wins” but systemic support remained palpably absent. “Promising athletes are often discouraged by the struggle that comes with establishing a presence in the world of sports which include inadequate coaching, delayed stipends and bureaucratic obstructions,” Justice Harpreet Singh Brar asserted.

The Bench added sportspersons were not always assured opportunities to showcase their talent and reinvent themselves “once the spotlight dimmed” in spite of years of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. “The realm of sports calls for unparalleled discipline and resilience, and every athlete’s journey is marked by uncertainty and challenge, which is also reflective of the broader ecosystem’s ability to support them,” Justice Brar asserted

The observations came on a petition filed by Kanval Deep and other petitioners seeking directions to the state to reimburse travelling allowances of just over Rs. 3.13 lakh per petitioner with interest for representing the country in the International Tug of War World Outdoor Championship held in Mannheim, Germany from September 5 to 8, 2024.

Initially, the Haryana Power Sports Group sanctioned the amount but their participation was cancelled due to a change in the governing committee. Ultimately they were granted permission to participate. “By then, arrangements were already made by the petitioners. As such, they cannot be reasonably expected to undo the painstakingly formulated plans to justify the whimsical approach taken by the Haryana Power Sports Group in the eleventh hour. Notably, similarly situated employees of UHBVNL were reimbursed for the same undertaking while the same relief has been denied to the petitioners”.

Justice Brar acknowledged the State’s initiatives like “Khelo India” and the “Fit India Movement” aimed at promoting sports infrastructure and financial support but added the conduct of the Haryana Power Utilities was “antithetical to the same, highlighting a significant gap between vision and execution”.

Disposing of the petition, the Bench asserted the petitioners represented the country in an international championship in Germany. As such, at this stage, the petition was disposed of with a direction to consider their representation and pass a speaking order after affording them an opportunity of hearing. The needful was directed to be done within two months

Before parting with the order, Justice Brar expressed “earnest hope that the Haryana Power Utilities will continue to provide mentorship and support to the athletes.