International Athlete Prathibha Alleges Threats Over Athlete Safety Plaint
Medallist says she was silenced after flagging issues to sports ministry; recounts standoff with ex-minister Srinivas Goud
Hyderabad: International athlete Thakkadapally Prathibha has alleged that she faced threats and lack of institutional support after raising issues concerning sports and the safety of athletes, saying she eventually chose to remain silent to protect her career and goals.
Her comments against the backdrop of her recent allegations concerning former minister V. Srinivas Goud. Prathibha said that she warned the former minister during the previous government that she could “make a part of his body stop functioning within two minutes” after he allegedly made certain comments.
Prathiba said an incident occurred in December 2022, after she won medals in England and Turkey. She said she brought the matter to the notice of the sports ministry but instead of receiving support she faced threats.
“I became silent since I have a career and goals,” she said in a video sent to Deccan Chronicle, describing her experience of dealing with the issue without adequate support.
Prathibha also referred to the Hakimpet molestation case involving minors, saying that since the children were unable to speak for themselves she had approached the media to speak about the matter. She said she attempted to shed light on issues related to sports and athletes. An official had been suspended after the matter was reported in the media in August 2023.
She alleged that she was threatened when she took the matter to the sports ministry. “I had no voice, lonely and no support,” she wrote, adding that those who had suffered or spoken out were also threatened, got married and even left sports. Prathibha said her interventions were not politically motivated. “As an athlete, I represent India, not supporting any political party,” she stated.
