Influence and money play key role in HCA player selection, alleges Bandi Sanjay

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar alleged that influence and money play a major role in player selection in the Hyderabad Cricket Association. He highlighted the Union government’s Khelo India Mission aimed at strengthening sports development

Karimnagar: Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Sunday came down heavily on the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), stating that influence and money play a key role in the selection of players.

Stating that some individuals had introduced such a culture in the HCA, he emphasised the need to put an end to the “wicked practice” that damages the prospects of talented sportspersons. He said many sportspersons unfortunately do not get an environment where they can grow purely on the basis of their talent.

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To address such issues, he said the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to introduce the ‘Khelo India Mission’ for the next 10 years. As part of the mission, steps would be taken for the comprehensive development of sportspersons, including training support for coaches and assistant staff. Apart from promoting sports science and technology, competitions and leagues would also be organised on a larger scale to strengthen sports culture in the country.

The Union government has already initiated efforts to develop basic facilities for sports training and competitions, he said while participating in the prize distribution programme of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Sansad Khel Mahotsav’ competitions held at Ambedkar Stadium here on Sunday.