Sneha, Yashas to quit Karnataka, athletes request for NOC

Bengaluru: Karnataka’s track athletes Sneha SS (sprinter) and Yashas P (400m hurdler) have requested for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Karnataka State Athletics Association to represent other states as the duo claimed they were overlooked for the state’s Target Olympic Medal scheme. 

“Due to a lack of adequate support from my state, I would like to request a No Objection Certificate to compete representing another state,” wrote both the athletes in separate letters to KSAA on Monday.

The state government had launched the TOPS scheme last year, as per which the state will sponsor 60 elite sportspersons with Rs 10 lakh annually for three years to prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

However, the duo claimed that they were not included in the list while alleging that athletes with political influence have been included.

“It is deeply disappointing to note that some athletes without significant achievements, and those with political influence, have been granted financial assistance of Rs 10 lakhs, while my genuine performance and contributions have been overlooked,” said Sneha in a letter to media. 27-year-old Sneha, who won 4x100m relay silver at the Asian Athletics Championships last year, has a personal best of 11.42 seconds (in 2023) in the individual 100m while she clocked 11.55 last season.

24-year-old Yashas, on the other hand, is among the leading 400m hurdler in the country with a personal best of 49.22 seconds. He finished fifth at the 2022 Asian Games.

Yashas P