AFI promises to refund air fares of athletes

The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) revealed yesterday that the organisers of the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing, China, have agreed to refund the air fare and visa fees that were incurred by some of the Indian athletes who were not allowed to compete, reports TOI.

The AFI had received some severe flak for the issue involving over-age Indian athletes, where some members of the contingent were disqualified from competition for being over the age limit. So this comes as some relief for officials.

A mail was received by AFI officials from the organisers who mentioned that they would be willing to refund the amount for 18 athletes and 2 officials who were in the middle of the mess in about 3 weeks’ time. 18 out of 27 athletes who entered the Games were prevented from competing on the very eve of the games.

CK Valson, secretary of AFI, confirmed the development: “The decision to send back athletes from Nanjing was like a bad dream. We’re worried about how the athletes would take it. I’m relieved that the organizers have at least agreed to reimburse the travel expenses,” Valson said.

“The organisers even presented the athletes with the participation certificates which act as a consolation for them,” he added.

Four badminton players and weightlifters were also not allowed to take part, but there seems to be no mention in the letter about them.