MHA decision to reopen pools gets thumbs up from coaches
| Date :02-Oct-2020 |
HIGH AND DRY: A drained Kamgar Kalyan Swimming Pool at Sakkardara Square, Somwaripeth, Raghuji Nagar, which is generally abuzz with activities round the year, wears a deserted look. (Pic by Anil Futane)
By Anupam Soni :
PROMINENT swimming coaches of the city welcomed Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Government of India’s decision to reopen swimming pools across the country from October 15. But most of them were sceptical whether Maharashtra government will follow suit since they have banned the water sport activities till October 31. ‘The Hitavada’ talked to a host of top coaches of Nagpur to get their views on the recent development. “Central Government granting permission to start swimming pools for top level swimmers is a very heartening news and is a good beginning.
Dr Jaiprakash Duble
But Government of Maharashtra has taken a decision to continue ban on swimming indefinitely with which the swimmers are not happy,” said Dr Jaiprakash Duble, International Swimming Coach, International Swimming Technical Official and Vice-President, Swimming Association of Maharashtra.
“The corona pandemic brought swimming to standstill all over the World. But thereafter in European countries swimming pool started by observing SOP. “Although it is true that conditions are still very grim in the state, by adding some points in SOP, swimming pools can be started in a phased manner,” Duble added. Duble, who retired as Deputy Director, Sports, served the state in various capacities, highlighted Maharashtra’s important achievements. “Under the Khelo India movement Maharashtra swimmers won the highest number of medals (61) and the State stood first in the country. Taking into consideration the swimming culture in Maharashtra, it is expected by swimmers and parents that the Government should consider opening of swimming pools on the lines of Central Government’s decision.”
Dr Sambhaji Bhonsale, Secretary, Nagpur District Amateur Aquatic Association and HOD, Department of Sports, Mathuradas Mohota College of Science, Nagpur also requested the state to open pools. “Yes definitely it’s necessary.
I mean it (the closure) has been a huge loss to our players. We request Govt Of Maharashtra to allow the use of pool for at least professional players with proper safety procedures. We’ll also contact local administration in getting permission,” said Bhonsale. “I welcome the decision of MHA. I am anxiously waiting for the pool to get open like swimmers who are eager to start their activity and ready to work hard to achieve their goal. I am little bit doubtful whether it is possible or not as we hardly have Govt owned swimming pools everywhere.
Also Looking at the cost incurred on the maintenance of water quality and other cleanliness aspect, it is difficult to start the swimming pool only for competitive swimmers,” remarked Aqua Sport Club’s senior coach Pravin Lamkhade, who is working with Rani Indirabai Bhosle Mahavidyalaya, Kuhi. Roshan Choudhary, Secretary, Aquatic Association Nagpur adopts a wait and watch policy. “Finally swimming pools are opening and this is indeed a wonderful news for swimmers. But we will have to wait for permission from Maharashtra and local authorities. During the pandemic, swimmers have been doing dryland exercises and cycling to maintain their fitness but water practice is very essential for them to maintain their timing,” Choudhary stated.
Neil Banerjee former University colour holder wants some sort of compensation for coaches.“This year has been a carnage for the swimming coaches and pool maintenance people. The income was literally zero. I would request if Maharashtra Sports Ministry provides some monetary benefits to the swimming coaches or at least some schemes can be started for them. In Nagpur one pool should start as soon as possible where amateur and professional swimmers can start practising and try to get back the lost momentum and fitness,” said Banerjee who is working with Marketing Communications, MYFM, Nagpur.
Shashikant Chande, Assistant Coach at Aqua Sports Club, terms it as a ‘great news’ but allay fears about proper implementation of the guidelines “Great News! The swimmers who are practising round the year are eager to get back to the pool. They are happy to know this that the pools are starting. The only difficulty I find is that of proper implementation of the guidelines given by the Government,” said Chande also and Assistant Teacher at Somalwar High School Nikalas Branch.