Sports Department issues suspension orders of coach over negligence
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh—
Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, taking strict action on a complaint by the villagers of Kharkhar village, Jhajjar district regarding negligence of duty and failure to provide regular training to children by coach Ajay Rathi, had issued orders to suspend the coach. In compliance with these directions, the Sports Department on Monday suspended the coach and directed him to report to the Head Office, Panchkula, during the inquiry period.
It may be noted that last month, after the transfer of the athletic coach posted in Kharkhar village of Jhajjar district, a new coach, Ajay Rathi, was posted there by the department. Subsequently, continuous complaints were submitted by the village Sarpanch and other members to the District Sports Officer (DSO), Jhajjar, regarding the new coach’s absence from the ground. However, due to the absence of appropriate action, the villagers apprised the Sports Minister about the loss being suffered by players due to the coach’s improper conduct.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the Sports Minister sent the District Sports Officer and the Personal Sports Advisor for a surprise inspection, during which the coach was found absent from the morning training session. During the inspection, players present at the ground also informed the officials that the concerned coach attended only evening training sessions once or twice a week, and most of the time the players practiced on their own.
When the coach was contacted over the phone and asked about the reason for his absence, Ajay Rathi failed to provide any satisfactory explanation. The inspection report also revealed that departmental instructions were not being followed by the coach, which was seriously affecting training activities. Based on the signed complaint letter from villagers, previous complaints, and the surprise inspection, the Sports Minister directed senior officials to suspend coach Ajay Rathi with immediate effect and ordered the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him.
Sports Minister stated that the government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of players. Any negligence of duty or misconduct by any coach will not be tolerated.