Imphal, Nov. 28: The Manipur sepak takraw contingent, along with two officials, will be in the Qatar capital for the Asian Games next month. They will, however, have to foot their own bill.
Clearing the discipline, which had been dropped earlier, the sports ministry said the players and officials would have to pay for their own expenses.
Sepak Takraw Federation of India general secretary Salim Baig intimated the Manipur Sepak Takraw Association by fax on Saturday, confirming that 17 players and two officials from the state have been selected for the Doha Games next month. It said the sports ministry had cleared the team but would not provide any financial assistance.
This means that the participants will have to bear travel expenses to the tune of Rs 35,000 each. Their kits and tracksuits will, however, be provided by the Indian Olympic Association.
The state association has since been running from pillar to post to secure financial support. It has also debated whether the state team should participate in the Asian Games at all, at such short notice. But unwilling to let the opportunity pass, it has decided to head for Doha even though the financial burden will be considerable.
The contingent has not approached the government or any other individual for monetary aid yet.
The squad includes Sanathoi, Geskant, Rakeshor, Biken, Premanda, Kiran Kumar, Surujit, Jyotin and P. Durjit among the men and Ronibala, Romita, Mari, Bilashini, Aruna, Mami, Premila and E. Rasheshori among the women. The two officials are coach Muhindro and manager Kh. Olympic.
The team will participate in the regu, double and team events.
State association secretary Kh. Brjabidhu said the cash-strapped body could not provide any assistance to the players “though we support them physically and morally.
“We had contemplated holding a bumper lottery to help them out,” he added.
He said the association did not wish to let go of the chance to make its first appearance at the Asian Games.
The players, too, are keen on showcasing their skill at the international level.
