Ludhiana: The 67th National School Games got off to a damp start as coaches, staff, and participants from across the country, after the inauguration, moved from government school venues to hotels. The dissatisfaction arose from inadequate accommodation at 32 government schools, particularly due to the harsh cold weather. Participants complained about the lack of basic facilities such as hot water, sanitation, bedding, and food.
Ritu Bera, a karate coach from the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations, expressed disappointment, saying, “As the accommodation was not good, we have shifted to hotel Neelkanth. Washrooms in the school are really far, and the school does not have a good drinking water facility.” Coaches, accompanying staff, and all participating girls opted for hotel stays, with each room costing around Rs 1,000 per day.
Judo coach Sanjay Kumar Yadav from Himachal Pradesh mentioned, “Four coaches and two accompanying staff members have occupied a hotel near the bus stand. We have occupied four rooms, and each would cost Rs 1,500 a day.” Jacinta Hansapi, team manager of Assam, stated that 15 participants of karate and judo competitions are also staying in hotels.
However, the boys and girls teams of Jammu and Kashmir, staying at Government Senior Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, described their accommodation as a “tabela” (cow shed). A total of 55 boys and six officials are staying in one hall, while 60 girls and six officials are staying in another hall.
District education officer Dimple Madan responded, “We do not have geysers in government schools, but liaison officers have been told to switch on water motors in the morning and evening to access submersible water. To beat the chill, we have carpeted the floor and given double bedding.”
She added that as per protocol, the food mess is in PAU, while other venues do not have the serving option. Madan assured that officials will be sent to the venues to address grievances, and participants moving to hotels will be notified to the department.
