Railways rejects athletes despite clearing trials

Kozhikode: Three Kerala athletes, including Asian champion P.U. Chitra, have been rejected by Railways even after they passed the selection trials conducted in Chennai two months ago. The other athletes rejected by the Railway are hurdler Maymon Poulose (Asian Junior silver medalist) and sprinter Vismaya VK (400m). Another athlete from Tamil Nadu Shiva Anbrass (triple jump) is also awaiting the decision. 

Sources close to the recruitment board have revealed to DC that all the four athletes have been recommended by the Railways selectors favorably but the Southern Railways general manager is not keen to sign the order.  The selection trials were held to pick athletes for the upcoming Open Nationals to be held in Bhubaneswar in September.

“The talent hunt conducted by Railways was elaborate. And all the four athletes attended the interview. The Railway coaches also said that they have recommended the athletes for job. But we have learnt from the office of GM that they have rejected all.  Chitra is an Asian Champion and Maymon is also an upcoming athlete who has proven international credentials. 

“All the four athletes are Indian campers and Railway has no reason to reject them considering their performances. This will be a major setback for these athletes. Railway is a government entity and it has been supporting all sporting activities,” said a coach of an athlete, who requested anonymity. “We have information that all the rejected athletes were highly recommended by the Railway selectors. There is no reason for them to reject them,” said the coach.

“We all are hugely disappointed. A Railway job is a major stepping stone for every athlete. We had other opportunities but we rejected all of it because we had a chance to get a job in Railway. This decision will not do any good for athletes,” said an athlete.