PT Usha unhappy over change in Fed Cup National Athletics venue

The Athletics Federation of India's "sudden decision" to shift the Federation Cup National Athletics Championships from Delhi to Patiala would prove to be detrimental for those participating in the event, former sprint queen P.T. Usha said on Tuesday.

"So suddenly they changed the venue which is very difficult for athletes to reach on their own. Nowadays everything is expensive. They run for their state and department so nobody will give them the flight ticket to reach. It becomes difficult for athletes, who come from far flung areas to bear high travel cost," Usha told ANI.

Usha said the unbearable heat in Patiala was making it difficult for athletes to undergo training.

"Some of them who are training in Patiala told me that they are urging the officials to change the venue. The track there is not good and also Patiala is hotter than Delhi," she said.

The decision to shift the venue to conduct the championship was taken after the Sports Authority of India denied permission to hold the event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here in view of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to be held from June 1 to 4.