Indian officials kicked athletes out of the training ground to make room to walk the dogs

Mr. Sanjeev Khirwar and a woman walking the dog at Thyagraj Stadium – Photo: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Newspaper The Indian Express said that Mr. Sanjeev Khirwar – a senior official in the budget department of the Delhi government – had asked the athletes to leave Thyagraj Stadium in the Indian capital before 7pm so that he could walk his pet dog. walk.

This action has caused Thyagraj Stadium, built in 2010 for the Commonwealth Games, to be misused and displeased by coaches and athletes.

Stories of Indian officials abusing their positions for personal gain have long caused public anger in the world’s second most populous country, AFP news agency said.

In fact, an unnamed coach said that in the past they were allowed to practice until 20:30 or 20:30. However, the training time was now shortened when they were asked to leave the stadium before 7pm so the official could walk his dog.

Besides, the parent of an athlete also said: “Using a government-owned stadium to walk the dog is an abuse of power.”

Follow The Indian Expressthe action of the official caused many athletes to move their training direction to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, about 3km from Thyagraj, to continue training.

This makes it difficult for them because of the time it takes to move and will have to take a break from evening practice, when the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium enters the renovation process during the summer period.

After receiving the report of this case, the Delhi government ordered to allow sports facilities in the capital Delhi to be open until 10 pm for athletes to practice.

Manish Sisodia, deputy premier of Delhi, also confirmed this on his personal Twitter page.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sanjeev Khirwar admitted to walking his dogs in Thyagraj Stadium, but denied that he had asked the athletes to leave for this personal purpose.