After two yrs and some prodding, an archer gets her prize

Turning to Joint Secretary, Ministry of Sports, I Srinivas, Aiyar said: “Is this the way you function? If it wouldn’t have been for that report in The Indian Express, I would never have learnt about this and I wonder how long it would have taken for her to get her due.”

As reported by this newspaper, Swuro first got the cheque on June 30, 2006, which was the last day of its six-month validity period. Since then, Swuro’s efforts to get the money had been stuck in red tape.

Swuro is part of the women’s team that recently qualified for the Beijing Olympics next year.

Sitting close to the Nagaland archer, the Minister listened carefully as she narrated how she was sent back repeatedly by the Ministry with the promise that she would be paid the next time she comes. But the next time never came.

“It is really unfortunate that a sportsperson should wait for more than two years to get her prize money. It also shows the lackadaisical approach of people in the Ministry,” said Aiyar, adding, “We need to change all this.”

Soon after The Indian Express report, the cheque was handed over to the Archery Association of India (AAI). But, as Swuro was away in Leipzig, participating in the 44th World Outdoor Archery Championships, it remained with the Association.

When it was brought to Aiyar’s notice that not only Swuro but team coach, Sanjeev Singh, too, has not got his due, the Minister asked officials to clear all dues by Aug 29, Sports Day.

“After the Arjuna Awards function is over, we can call them on stage and distribute their cheques too. In fact we can make it a norm of giving such prizes on that particular day,” said Aiyar.

Swuro is on her way to Kolkata where she will attend the national camp from July 19.