At Asiad, skaters fend for themselves

Four roller skaters Akash Aradhya, Prateek Raja, Varsha S Puranik and Pragna H A are representing the country in the first-ever edition of roller skating events at the Games.

Having won the bronze medal at the Asian Championships just two months back, the players were surprised to receive a call from the KRSA on November 12, the inauguration day, informing them of their selection to the Games. The delay in being informed was due to the delayed clearance from the government.

Elated

On one-hand there was a feeling of elation of being selected to play at an international competition. On the other, there was a need to arrange for the expenses to be arranged as the Government had failed to provide remuneration for their visit. Speaking to Deccan Herald, a parent on condition of anonymity said that they had just 24 hours to arrange around Rs one lakh for their expenses for their visit to the China.

Furthermore, Kumar said that the sport is extremely costly as each wheel of the roller skater costs around ` 6,000, each frame costs around ` 15,000 and each pair of boots cost ` 40,000. The skaters had to carry four sets of wheels for practice and to participate in the games.

Kumar said that even though the first round of selections were held in Vishakapatnam during September, they were told that another round of selection would take place. However, neither did the second round of selection take place nor were they informed if they would participate in China, till the event day it opened.