Jammu: Refuting the allegations of his “ouster” from the 38th National Games underway at Uttrakhand, a senior official of Jammu and Kashmir Olympic Association (JKOA), Kiran Wattal has claimed that he is still the “Chef de Mission” (CDM) for Jammu and Kashmir contingent and will soon be returning to the venue.
Wattal, the Vice President of Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and also the President of Jammu and Kashmir Gymnastics Association (JKGA) setting aside the controversy while speaking to UNI asserted, “allegations about my removal as CDM of J&K contingent are baseless rumours.”
“I am still the CDM and returning back to Uttarakhand very soon as gymnastics events are also commencing from February 9.”
“I have been nominated by the president of GFI at the National Games vis-a-vis I am also the representative of the government and the Jammu and Kashmir Olympic Association (JKOA),” he said, adding, “some elements are intentionally trying to malign my image at the national podium but I want to make it clear that I am still the CDM.”
“I had prior commitments in Jammu and Kashmir including the conduct of the first ever District Gymnastics Championship at Shopian because of which I had to rush to Jammu,” he said.
Claiming of being nominated by the JKOA and the J&K Sports Council, Wattal said, “I had already informed my Deputy CDM (Rajesh Dutta) about my occupancy and also told him to manage all contingent related affairs/arrangements at the National Games.”
“Moreover, I am in constant touch with the officials and regularly making all the correspondences with the organisers of the National Games and very soon I will be in Uttarakhand,” cleared Wattal, who also holds the post of vice president in the JKOA.
However, contrary to this, a letter (accessed by the UNI) dashed to the Jammu and Kashmir Olympic Association by Sunaina Kumari, Chairperson, Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC), 38th National Games, under subject, “Relief of Duties for the CDM, J&K Olympic Association,” read, “Dear Sir/Madam, this letter serves as formal notice that, due to repeated instances of misbehavior with other agencies and multiple complaints received, the decision has been made to relieve your CDM of his duties for the 38th National Games.”
“Effective immediately, the Deputy CDM will be appointed as the new CDM for the event and will assume all responsibilities associated with the position,” the letter’s content further read.
It also said, “We believe this decision is necessary to ensure the decorum of the Games.”
