Even though the first National Inter-District Roller Skating Championship is only a fortnight away, the Ahmedabad players and their parents are perplexed by the disputes between the national and state skating bodies over the date of the selection trial. The competition is slated to take place in Mohali from April 29 to May 2.
Due to complaints of irregularities and favouritism, the Gujarat State Roller Skating Association (GSRSA) was suspended by the Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) on December 31. In the meantime, the RSFI established a five-person ad hoc committee to guarantee that the championship selection trial is held on time. On March 25, it held the selection trial in Ahmedabad.
The Ahmedabad District Roller Skating Association would host the selection trial for the same tournament on April 9, according to a message sent out by the GSRSA a few days later. The trial was later held on the specified date and location.
A parent stated, “We have booked accommodation as my son was selected in the trial held on March 25. He couldn’t attend the April 9 selection trial as we were out of station.”
However, some parents were not even aware of the March 25 selection trial. A parent, whose child is into speed skating, said, “We are in touch with the GSRSA. It is the governing body. We listen to them. It is said that only a few players were present on March 25.”
GSRSA President Sanjay Rana said, “RSFI is not giving any clarification to GSRSA on any issue. They are conducting parallel skating selection trials in which few players participated. GSRSA is a 50-year-old body and RSFI has no power to dissolve the body.”
RSFI General Secretary Naresh Sharma said, “We had formed the ad hoc committee and informed kids that they are appointed for the selection trial. GSRSA is suspended and misleading. We have written to all states that their districts can send as many deserving players as they want to give them an opportunity.”