Nainital's martial art player too poor to buy a ticket to South Africa

Nainital, Sep.2 : Meenakshi Adhikari of Naintal wishes she had a family background like that of Olympic Gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. For that would have facilitated many things for her to prove her mettle in the world of martial arts.

Like hundreds of thousands promising sportspersons across the country, Minakshi forgot to remember the old dictum--Money makes the world go around.

A national Taekwondo champion since 2006, Meenakshi has been selected to represent India in World Muay Thai Championship to be held in South Korea.

But Minakshi cannot afford rupees 95,000 required by the Taekwondo Federation as 'security deposit'. And, she fears her childhood wish to don the national colours may remain a dream despite having a huge talent to bring glory to the country.

She has been participating in the Taekwando Championships and Mua Thai fight for past eight years and has won dozens of medals at the State and national levels.

Meenakshi needs money, but she has not getting any government help to be able to take part in the World Muay Thai Championship.

"I have been selected for the international championship in Korea. I have to go to Thailand first for training. My master O K D Sardan has sent a letter to Uttarakhand chief minister seeking a donation of Rs.95,000 so that I can participate in the international championship. But nothing has happened yet. I have not received any letter or telephone in reply to our request made. The financial condition of my family is also not good," said Meenakshi Adhikari, National Taekwondo champion.

She is today a dejected person and seeks help from the government.

According to Meenakshi's father, he somehow managed to make his daughter reach up to national level from his little income but he cannot afford this much amount to send her to play on the international circuit.

"I have faced lot of money problems. I work in a small factory and I have supported her every time whenever she has participated in any championship. But now the problem is that I am asking for the help, if I can get from somewhere. I have sent letters to many people. If I get some money, I am ready to send her to Thailand and Korea," said Heera Lal Adhikari, Meenakshi's father.

Shanu Ahmed, Meenakshi's coach is disappointed to notice the State government's unconcerned attitude towards encouraging sportspersons. He says it would a major embarrassment to all if such a young talent failed to make it to international competition due to lack of money.

"Neither our association nor the Federation is registered with the Uttarakhand Olympic Association. But our national Federation is recognised with International Olympic Committee and the championship is going to be held under International Olympic Committee. But we are not getting any support from the Government and she (Meenakshi) doesn't belong to any rich family."

"She's facing financial problem. The State should realize that she is such a good player and she can make the country feel proud of her by going to the other countries to participate in such a big sport," said Shanu Ahmed, Meenakshi's coach.

The promises made after the winning of medals in the recent Olympic Games to encourage the young talents in the country by the state and central government are proving futile.

Sad to say, well-to-do sportspersons like Olympic gold medallist in shooting Abhinav Bindra and cricketers who mostly are showered with cash awards while an aspiring small town girl like Meenakshi Adhikari is made to run from pillar to post. y Vipul Goel

ANI