Govt should be given time to meet expectations of sportspersons: Anju
LUCKNOW: A day after writing an emotional letter to the sports ministry after being asked to step down as national observer for athletics, Anju Bobby George on Friday claimed that sportspersons had been expecting more from the government ever since Olympics silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was made a union sports minister.
“Certainly, the expectations of sportspersons from the government have grown but expecting an immediate change is not correct. Rathore has been a great sportsperson and knows the pain and agony of the sportspersons well,” said Anju.
“We should give more time to him so that he can take control of things,” she added.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of a sports meet here on Friday, Anju admitted that winning a medal in athletics for India at Olympics wasn’t easy as there were athletes from 72 other countries challenging Indians.
“We are far behind in terms of facilities for athletes,” she said.
A bronze medallist in the 2003 World Championship at Paris, Anju hoped that Indian athletes would do well at the Commonwealth Games, starting April 4 at Gold Cost in Australia, but refused to make any predictions.
“I hope young javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra has the capability of winning medals for India at the CWG, besides the women’s relay team. This time the number of medals may increase but I am not sure about the exact figure,” said Anju, who had a bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking about her battle against the menace of dope in sports, Anju admitted that ever since she came to know about doping of Russian athletes at Athens Olympics, she decided to continue her fight.
“Dope has tarnished the career of many good athletes world over, and many couldn’t get medals despite excelling.”
“I myself face this problem but I am fighting against it. This would be the biggest satisfaction to me if I win the battle against dope,” said Anju.