Asian Games 2018: Their competition over, Indian athletes yet to get daily allowance

Palembang: The Indian shooting and tennis contingent are yet to receive their daily allowance, though their events in Palembang are drawing to a close.

All the Indian athletes, who are participating in the 18th edition of Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, have been given forex cards but no money has been received by the participants so far.

Indian athletes are yet to get their daily allowance of USD 50 per day even though their competition at the Asian Games draws to an end at this venue, an official of the contingent has conceded.

The Indian participation in tennis is already over and shooting will end on Sunday. Athletes of these major sports, which have given India three gold medals so far, are yet to get their due.

Most of the tennis players and shooters have already departed for their next assignment. Shooters are headed for the World Championships in Changwon while some tennis players including doubles gold medallists Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan will be competing at the US Open in New York.

All athletes have been given a forex card but the money is not loaded in it yet.

Speaking on the same, deputy chef de mission BS Kushwaha told ANI, "Handed over forex cards to athletes and informed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), but yes, some got it activated and some of them are waiting as it took two to three days. There were issues of signatures. They (athletes) will get their allowance once the card is activated."

When asked about the delay, Kushwaha added that he had no idea about it.

The allowance is sanctioned by the Sports Ministry but it is the IOA which is in charge of ensuring the athletes get the DA. While the delay doesn't impact the senior players much, the junior athletes are left in the lurch.

"Everything is taken care of in the Games Village but there are times you need the money. My point is that if you have to give the money anyway, why not do it at the start of the tournament? Most of the tennis players are gone, so what is the point if they load the card now, an Indian athlete told PTI on condition of anonymity.

A team official from the shooting contingent said there was no delay during the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast but they are awaiting the allowance this time.

"We are told we would be getting it by tonight. But obviously, it is better if we get it at the start of the event or even in the middle of the competition. Right now, we are nearing the end," said the official.

Kushwaha pointed out that sometimes incorrect information of the athlete might cause delay.

India currently stands at the eight spot in the medal table with a total tally of 29 - seven gold, five silver and 17 bronze medals.