As the inauguration of the 3rd National Dragon Boat Race Championship was held on Saturday at Water Sports Centre Nehru Park in Srinagar by Sports Minister, a local player Nelofer Nabi who stood first in the Championship trials cried foul in the selection of players and raised the issue before the Minister Raman Bhalla. Reports said that the sports council officials tried to pacify the victim, however she continued her protest after which Sports Minister assured her that a through probe will be conducted into the matter.In front of the Minister, Nilofer Nabi accused Selection Committee of indulging in favouritism and selecting their kiths and kins while showing door to the deserved aspirants.
Nilofer Nabi (23) told CSN that few days back trails were held at Nehru Park Srinagar for the final selection.“I was shocked to see my name missing in the final selection list while others whose names even didn’t figure in the first ten, were selected for the final event,” she said alleging the members of selection committee who are all locals selected their relatives and dear ones.She alleged that one of the selection committee member selected his sister while another member selected his cousin. “Go and find out, the cousin and the sister of selection committee members who failed during trials are participating in the final event. A female sports In-Charge has also managed to select her sister (name withheld),” Nilofar told CNS.She said that selection committee members did injustice towards her and she has decided never to participate in any event in future. “In Kashmir talent doesn’t matter but what matters is the access to the corridors of power,”Nilofer said.In-charge Water Sports Centre refuted these allegations and said that her sister was selected by selection committee members and the selection process was ‘fair’.When contacted Secretary Sports Council Dilip Thussu told CNS that he would look into the matter. “It is a serious matter and I will definitely sort it out,” he said. (CNS)