Hyderabad: Unforgettable experience for Chief Minister’s Cup medalists

Hyderabad: Talks are in full swing over the proposed Young India Sports University on the outskirts of Hyderabad, which will fulfil the aspirations and dreams of young talents, as the state government is determined to put the city on the world map of sporting excellence. Not far away, but in the heart of the city, the kind of experience the Chief Minister Cup medallists (football) had is unforgettable. As per the original plan, all the medallists of the CM Cup, to be held in December 2024, were to be given trophies and cash prizes at “a grand function”, likely to be graced by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is an avid sports lover. But due to the unfortunate demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the scheduled function had to be cancelled as a mark of respect. It was understandable to a large extent. But, the way footballers from Khammam (winners), Nizamabad (second) and Nalgonda in the women’s category and Hyderabad (winners), Mahbubnagar (second) were treated, certainly not. Because, within a short time over the phone, the coaches and players were asked to report at the Gymkhana Ground in Secunderabad on Monday morning for what was ‘claimed’ as a prize distribution event, with no trophies but only medals and certificates! Thus, effectively, one coach and a few players from each of the top three finishers (men and women) were there to receive the prizes. When these coaches and players were informed about the difficulty in getting all the players to the venue in such a short time (since the football competitions were held at Hakimpet, the prizes were given at the Gymkhana), they were politely told that a symbolic representation was enough. Perhaps, the symbolic gesture of giving prizes can also be summed up! For the record, the winners in the CM Cup were to get Rs 1 lakh, the runners-up Rs 75,000 and the third-placed team Rs 50,000. Ironically, only recently, the prize money for the CM Cup held during the previous government was paid out, and it is difficult to guess when the latest winners will get their prize money! “It is about honour, respect and celebrating the journey of every player. Today, we lost that honour. Very painful and disappointing. A proper ceremony would have been more appropriate,” the awardees lamented.