Whenever a new government assumes power, it brings in its wake policy changes and displacement of officials occupying high posts. With all respect to the existing systems and norms in our society, let me assert that I am not prepared to relinquish office as Sports Council President, disgraced and under allegations of corruption.
With all the confidence that I have of not achieving success through dubious means, let me reiterate that I am not corrupt. If the government does not require my service, it should make it clear to me. If I am tainted with allegations, I am ready to challenge such a misdemeanour.
When I and council vice president Ibrahim Kutty went to meet the new sports minister, we had a lot of things to discuss, which included our activities so far, what we proposed to do and all matters that needed government help. We carried a lot of files that had to be shown to the minister.
However, there was no need to take out all those files because as soon as we were introduced, the minister shouted, “None of you are sports people- all are nominated.” The minister seemed unaware that along with me, former Indian hockey captain, P.R. Sreejesh, former Indian volleyball team member Tom Joseph and former athlete Preeja Sreedharan were all office bearers in the council. He was not ready to buy the argument that were all sportspersons.
The minister next said that he could cancel the air ticket that I had used to travel to meet him. When he probed, I replied how government orders allowed such a travel. I also indicated that the last government had allowed the sports secretary, finance secretary and council president to travel by air for official requirements. The minister found that I had utilised Rs 40,000 for official air travels in the past six months as if it was corruption. He said, "You did not think I would assume this post, is it not? I will cancel everything."
The minister had the application of a handball coach who wanted a transfer. He directed that all transfers we had made so far, had to be cancelled. He, however, found no reason in our argument that the handball coach could be transferred on humanitarian considerations, while transferring all would affect coaching. He refused to find reason in our arguments and accused us all of being corrupt. That he was getting worked up because of other reasons was very evident.
When I found that there was no point in waiting in that office, I met the CM and explained the situation to him. He heard me patiently with a smile and comforted me by saying that he knew me and my family and had good opinions about us. He showed us the consideration that a sportsperson deserved.
My humble request is not to mix politics with sports. Even though I was not interested, I was gently coaxed into taking up this position. I was desirous to share the experience of sportspeople like me for the state and had taken some initiatives in that direction.
I am, however, very much vexed by the attitude of the sports minister who should not have behaved so to an Olympian. If they are not interested to have me in my position, please say so, but do not humiliate. A sportsperson who has had the chance to cherish the high-fluttering tri-colour many times during international sports meets, does not deserve such mortification.