Thursday, January 31, 2013

Internal politics, sports Council without sponsors


Internal politics, sports Council without sponsors

Yash Khajuria
JAMMU, Jan 14
: Due to the political interference and internal bickering within Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, it is not getting any sponsors for its sports events hosted by it. 

Financial crunch in the Sports Council is well-known and they have decided to meet some renowned businessmen of the state to get sponsorship for the Senior National Badminton Championship held in Srinagar last year.
Showcasing their banners during the championship rather than helping us financially," an office-bearer of the J&K Badminton Association said. 
“To conduct a national championship, you need a big budget because top shuttlers of the country are taking part in it and it was obvious that the prize money is also big. The Sports Council had promised us to release the grant after the championship but we are yet to receive the same," he claimed. 
“Even if a sponsor agrees to sponsor the championship, the amount he offered us is not sufficient to buy prizes and trophies," office-bearer said. 
"The Veteran National Table Tennis Championship organised by the J&K Table Tennis Association few years back was a nightmare for us," another office-bearer of the association said. 
"We know that it was difficult for the Sports Council to provide the grant before the championship. The association had decided to find a sponsor for the championship but in the end, we have to arrange from our own pocket to host the championship," he said. 
“As far as cricket is concerned, everybody is ready to provide sponsorship for the event because of the popularity of the game across the country. Big corporate houses do not hesitate to donate in lakhs but when it comes to other disciplines, they are not very keen to come forward," he said. 
Meanwhile, Mohammad Afzal Malik, Administrative Officer, J&K State Sports Council, said, “As far as getting sponsorship to host any championship in the state is concerned, there is a draught-like situation.” 
“Unlike Punjab, corporate houses are not eager to sponsor any national championship. The Sports Council gets a limited budget to give it to the associations to conduct championships and that is why associations are looking for elusive sponsors," Afzal said.

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