Anju Bobby George Questions Kerala Government's Sports Funding Priorities
AFI senior vice-president and celebrated long jumper Anju Bobby George has launched a scathing criticism of the Kerala government's priorities in sports funding. Speaking to media during an Athletics Federation of India interaction at the SAI centre in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, the former athlete questioned the state's financial allocations that seem to favor international glamour over domestic athletic development.
Corporate Funding for Messi vs Athlete Support
"When we talk about the government system we are always talking about government money. But we are bringing Messi to the state using corporate money," Anju stated emphatically. "So my question is, why can't we do the same to help and support our athletes?"
The 2003 World Championship bronze medallist was referring to the state government's efforts to host Argentina and football superstar Lionel Messi for two friendlies scheduled last November. While those matches have been postponed indefinitely, reports indicated the sponsor had earmarked approximately ₹130 crore for the event.
Anju contrasted this with the current situation facing Kerala's athletes, questioning why similar corporate investment couldn't be mobilized for local sports development. "Corporates and other agencies are ready to invest in sports, but the government needs to take the initiative," she explained. "Now, we know that the state government can bring money into the system, they should do the same for our own athletes."
Dire Conditions in State-Run Sports Hostels
The former athlete highlighted alarming conditions in state-run sports hostels where athletes reportedly face multiple challenges:
- Food shortages affecting training and nutrition
- Delayed staff salaries impacting coaching quality
- Lack of basic supplies and equipment
- Pending food allowances for months
"Athletes have been forced to depend on hostel staff and local vendors for basic sustenance," Anju revealed. Some wardens and trainers have reportedly borrowed money or mortgaged personal valuables to ensure athletes receive adequate nutrition.
Infrastructure Utilization Concerns
While acknowledging Kerala's achievement in building strong sports infrastructure for the 2015 National Games, Anju raised serious questions about current utilization. "I'm not saying that Kerala does not have infrastructure. The state was able to build a good infrastructure for sports when they hosted the National Games in 2015," she noted.
"But how we are making use of those facilities should be the big question here. I don't think it's up to the mark here in Kerala," she added, expressing disappointment with the current state of sports facilities.
The athlete-turned-administrator also pointed to inadequate budgetary allocations for sports in recent state budgets. "Even in the last couple of state budgets, the money allocation for sports was really less," she explained, suggesting this contributes to the declining performance of Kerala athletes.
Declining Performance and Comparative Analysis
Anju's comments come at a crucial time for Kerala sports. The state finished 14th in the 38th National Games medal tally, marking its first drop out of the top ten positions. Kerala secured 54 medals (13 gold, 17 silver, 24 bronze), a significant decline from the previous edition in Goa where they achieved 87 medals (36 gold) and a fifth-place finish.
"Kerala was producing fewer top athletes compared to other states such as Haryana," Anju observed, highlighting the growing performance gap between Kerala and traditionally strong sports states.
The criticism from one of India's most celebrated athletes raises fundamental questions about sports administration priorities, corporate involvement in sports development, and the need for sustainable funding models that prioritize long-term athletic development over short-term glamour events.
