A view of the National Games Secretariat at Morabadi in Ranchi. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, June 19: Lack of sporting opportunities and poverty have put the sports persons of the state in a dilemma. They are indecisive whether they should choose money or sporting honour.

Unable to decide whether they should go for a temporary job on contract and earn some bucks for a few months or sacrifice money in search of medal and honour at the 34th National Games, they are approaching coaches and office-bearers of the state-level sports associations for advice.

Sample this conversation:

“Sir, I have come for the certificate that I participated in the coaching camps,” said Hemant (name changed), a sportsperson.

“Why do you need the certificate?” asked a senior Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA) functionary.

“Sir, I want to apply for a job at the National Games Secretariat,” he replied.

“Oh, for that. But think twice before applying. You will not be allowed to attend the second phase of coaching, and you will also not be able to represent the state team at the National Games if you join. You will not be allowed to leave the office to attend the camps. Apart from that, these posts are temporary and there is no guarantee of permanent employment,” the senior functionary said.

Thus, on hand the sportsmen have the option to join a temporary job, which may fetch them a salary anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 3,000 every month. On the other, it is the temptation of representing the state team and make a bid for medal and honour.

“Of course, we want those sportsmen to get the job who may not be at the peak of their career now, but have served the state sincerely, and who have some experience in sports. But it depends finally on the National Games Organising Committee (NGOC),” said J.K. Sinha, a senior coach and organisational secretary of JOA.

Thus the sportsperson concerned has to weigh the options wells before taking a call, said an office-bearer of JOA.

There are eight posts of computer operator-cum-stenos and six of clerks. In grade IV, there are openings for sweepers and cleaners. Already 30 men and women are employed in grade IV on daily wage basis, said a senior JOA official.

“These jobs will be existing till the National Games continues. The basis of selection for operating computers and working as stenos will depend on the qualification of a candidate. He should know computers and shorthand,” said S.M. Hashmi, the secretary-general of JOA.

He said: “Once the secretariat is ready for functioning, these appointments will be made by the NGOC. The recruitment process will start shortly.”