Sports committee meeting postponed after brouhaha

The decision regarding this year's sports agenda and Mayor Trophy was expected yesterday in the meeting of newly formed sports committee. But because of disagreement over the venue of wrestling competition, the convention was postponed for 15 days.

According to sources, to resolve the issue deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is going to conduct the meeting with the committee members.

The Peacemaker: To resolve the issue, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar is going to conduct the meeting with the committee members. Despite last year's controversy, the sports committee is about to spend Rs 70 lakh this year. File pic

Despite last year's controversy over the wrestling tournament organised by PMC, the sports committee is about to organise an edition this year too by spending Rs 70 lakh. However, wrangling between committee members has delayed any decision on the same.

A month ago, NCP corporator Sachin Dodake had proposed to hold the tournament at Waraje. But recently five corporators of NCP have demanded that the event be organised at Kharadi Gavthan. "The final decision on the venue and other policies was expected in Wednesday's meeting. But we have not come to any conclusion. After detailed discussion with every member of the committee, a final decision would be made," said Anil Tingare, newly appointed president of the sports committee.

Last year the wrestling competition was held at Shivane. It created controversy because the venue was outside PMC limits, Rs 1 crore was spent without proper consensus, and foreign wrestlers were involved.

The Congress was heading the committee at the time and corporator Avinash Bagawe was the president. After the notification of the state government, he had prepared the policies of the sports committee.

After taking control of the committee this year, NCP immediately made some changes in the policies. This includes hike in financial aid of sportspersons, special prizes and promotions for sports teachers of PMC schools, changes in criteria of sports awards, etc.

"We have upgraded last year's policies. The agenda of the committee was framed after a detailed study. After we secure an approval in the sports committee's meeting, this would be sent to the general body for final sanction," Tingare added.

Rs 1 cr
Amount spent on the wrestling contest organised by the civic body last year u00a0