Andhra Pradesh: Row over selection of coaches

Vijayawada: The outsourcing of coaching activities by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) has sparked a controversy.

Doubts have been raised regarding the legitimacy of candidates being selected, as applications are being verified at a hotel in the city.

Candidates who have applied for the post allege that SAAP authorities are trying to bluff applicants. “We have worked very hard to attend job interviews. But we are worried that applications have been taken out of the SAAP office and verified at a hotel. SAAP should clarify our doubts and encourage real talent,” says an applicant, on condition of anonymity.

Candidates have also expressed doubts regarding increase in the number of posts from 65 to 335.

K.P. Rao, secretary of the Krishna district Olympic association, says, “Appoin-ting coaches on contract is an insult to talented youth. We suspect that SAAP is trying to degrade talented sportsmen. The notification has been changed twice, which is also creating doubts. The Chief Minister should respond and appoint an IAS officer as SAAP MD.”

Officials of SAAP have condemned the allegations made by aspirants and sports associations. SAAP Officer On Special Duty (OSD) Rama Krishna says, “Members of the coach selection committee, Dronacharya awardees Rami Reddy and Venkateswara Rao, have scrutinised the applications at a hotel, which is the location of their official stay as provided by SAAP. There is nothing wrong in it. No selections have been made until now.”

A senior SAAP official, on condition of anonymity, says, “Some sports associations are intentionally creating controversies on simple issues. The selection committee is doing its job to pick the best talents, but a few sports association members are trying to disturb the selection process with false allegations. We will check the possibility of conducting legal proceedings against persons who are intentionally defaming the SAAP.”