|
|
Home>>>Nation
|
Usha slighted at Kolkata meet |
| Kolkata, Jan 10:
As a country we've hardly ever taken care of our icons once they left centrestage. On Wednesday, the city added another chapter to that inglorious record. P T Usha, whose exploits in international arenas are part of sporting folklore, was insulted at an athletics meet here. The 'Payoli Express', in the city to be with the 11 wards from her Kerala-based academy competing in the 53rd National School Games, was denied entry to the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium terraces before better sense prevailed. Significantly, Usha has been critical of facilities provided to the young athletes at the stadium and at venues where they are put up.
"Whoever she may be, there are instructions that no one be allowed into the galleries," the middle-aged 'volunteer' of South Calcutta District Schools Sports Association said, when those at the spot reminded him it was P T Usha he was stopping. Puspita Roy, convener of the press and publicity sub-committee of the Games, defended the 'volunteer' with the most bizarre of excuses. "He didn't recognize Usha. You see, it is not difficult to recognize Sourav Ganguly and other cricketers because they are on TV all the time. Athletes are not spotted so easily," was her contention.
|
|
 Print This Page  Mail This Story |
|
|
Terms
and Conditions