Vijay Goel promises probe in para-athlete begging case

Union Sport Minister Vijay Goel on Wednesday said that the case of Indian para-athlete Kanchanmala Pande's begging in Germany will be probed.

Pande was forced to beg in Berlin to take part in the Para-Swimming Championships because of the sanctioned funds couldn't reach her on time.

Goel said that the Sports Ministry had sanctioned funds to the Paralympic Committee but it failed to facilitate Pande.

"The funds for Kanchanmala Pandey were timely released and were given to the Paralympic Committee. So, one thing is clear that there was no fault from the side of the sports ministry. I have questioned the Paralympic Committee over the lapse," said Goel.

"They are giving excuses, but they do admit that they told the coach to manage funds on their own. This is a clear case of carelessness and I have told them that an inquiry will be done in the matter," he added.

Talking to ANI, Pande said, "Berlin trip was sanctioned by government. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) told us that they can't give money as their account is blocked and we've to spend our own money. They asked us to pay for our trip and said that they will reimburse it afterwards.

Pande said even her coach didn't perform his duties and they themselves had to complete all the formality in Berlin.

"Even my entry was made into a wrong group. I checked it later on and came to know that my entry was made in a wrong group. I myself had to get it corrected," she said.

Pande said that it was coach's responsibility to arrange the travelling pass for them in Berlin, which he didn't do and because of this she even had to borrow money to pay the ticket examiner.

"I was traveling in a tram. For travelling in tram, a pass was needed which was the responsibility of my coach but he didn't do anything. I had to borrow money from fellow swimmer to pay fine to ticket examiner," she said.

After going though the trauma in a foreign country, Pande urged the Central Government to make sure such incidents are not repeated again.