Fund crunch hits Koppal sportsman

Hubballi: Chandrashekhar Hanchinal, 29, from Koppal district, is the only Kannadiga to find place in the 13-member Indian Pencak Silat team which will take part in the 5th Asian Beach Games to be held in Danang city, Vietnam, from September 24-October 3.
His participation was confirmed at a selection process held in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, on June 8 and 9.According to the Pencak Silat Federation of India (PSFI), Hanchinal will participate in 60-65kg tangding, which is a mixture of karate, wrestling and judo.
However, Chandrashekhar needs Rs 1.30 lakh to participate in the games. He earns Rs 9,000 per month as a PE teacher in Little Hearts School, Gangavathi. "As my father was a daily-wage worker in a saw mill, I grew up at my grandmother's residence in Hanamasagar. My father is sick and mother is a homemaker. However, my coach Abdul Razak Tailor has promised to get sponsorship from some celebrities," he said.
Chandrasekhar could not participate in the South Asian Beach Games held in 2008-09 in Bangkok due to lack of funds. Coach Tailor, who is the president of Pragathi Sports Academy, Hanamasagar, said, "We are approaching some organizations and celebrities of the district to get sponsorship."
Mohammed Iqbal Sheikh, director general, PSFI, told TOI over the telephone that though the team will participate under the banner of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), it is not getting funds. Tangding is included in the Asian Beach Games for the first time and the IOA will start funding only if there is considerable achievement in the event. "If Hanchinal gets a medal, he will be eligible to participate in the 2018 Asian Games," he said.
Govt help sought
"The Jammu and Kashmir government is extending financial support to tangding sportsmen on special grounds. Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana are also thinking on the same line. If the Karnataka government also takes an initiative, it will be helpful for (Chandrashekhar) Hanchinal," said Mohammed Iqbal Sheikh, director general, PSFI