Trials begin amid chaos

Lack of facilities for aspirants, student leaders clash

Despite much preparation, the centralised fitness trials for admission to DU’s undergraduate courses through sports quota, began amidst chaos.

The first day of the trials on Thursday saw nearly 3,000 students turning up at the DU Polo Ground, the venue for the trial.

The varsity authority was forced to seek help from Delhi Police after crowd swelled in the morning.

“Only a total of 900 boys and 600 girls could appear for the  test today. There are two more days for the trials and the candidates can drop in on any of the days and appear for the test,” DU Sports Council Secretary, Anil Kumar Kalkal, said.

Members of ABVP and NSUI created a chaotic situation for the aspirants and authorities as they quarreled over pasting of party posters inside the trial venue.

Earlier in the day, anxious parents accompanied their wards even though the university had instructed otherwise. “It wasn’t properly managed. We weren’t informed about the duration of the trial that’s why we waited. My children can’t give the fitness test without food and water all day,” said the mother of a sports quota aspirant.

Sahil Basoya, a volleyball player from Haryana, too shared his disappointment and said, “I have been here since 7:30 am and still haven’t given my trials. There is no refreshment available for candidates. There are no chairs and mike system.”

“”Our registration numbers aren’t being called out. After every five minutes I have to go to the desk to check whether my turn has come or not. The system that was followed till last year was much better, ”he said.

Garima, who represented India, last year at International Judo Federation held at Singapore, said, “Boys pushed us around as there were no proper cues. The name is so big and glorious, but I am very disappointed with the DU sports authorities.”

This year, the varsity revamped its policy for sports quota trials and decided to go for a centralised fitness test, followed by sports specific trials at the respective colleges, for which many Dronacharya and Aruna awardees have been roped in.

R S Mann, chief coordinator of the trials, said: “These centralised trials are being conducted to facilitate both the parents and the authorities. For the convenience of the students, it is better to have the fitness trial under one roof rather than appearing for different colleges separately.”

This year, each candidate has to appear for a 50 metre run test followed by a standing board jump test.

The fitness trials will continue till 20 June, the results of which will be declared on the varsity website on June 22.