Five-time Olympian luger Shiva Keshavan may be down, but is not out after pulling out of the World Championships in Germ-any and the World Cup circuit due to “lack of funds”.
The first Indian to qualify for the Winter Olympics, Keshavan now ponders his future.
“I am disappointed since this incident exposes the true intentions and calibre of our sports administrators. Still, I believe everything happens for a reason.
“I am humbled by how many people have reached out to me and showed their support. I feel more motivated to do something for the future generations of athletes,” Keshavan told this paper on Saturday.
The World Luge Champio-nships is scheduled to be held later this month. He has also been forced to let go of the services of his coach Duncan Kennedy as he was not been paid his full salary in 2015.
“I do not blame anyone but it is obvious that we have a huge problem in sports administration in our country. Unless there is a political will to fix this problem once and for all... our athletes will continue to languish and our nation will continue to be embarrassed on the international stage.”
The 34-year-old said he had written to sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Prime Minister Nare-ndra Modi for their intervention. “Its back to square one at the moment. I have written to the PM as well as the sports minister since this is a matter of national importance. I am also looking for corporate sponsorships as that has worked well in the past. Crowd funding is also an option.”
No Indian will be present at the Luge Worlds and the Luge World Cup circuit for the first time in 20 years.
“Even if the government and sports administration does not care, I get many messages of support urging me to continue. I feel it is my duty to try my best to continue. If there is a solution I shall find it,” added Keshvan, who recently bagged a silver at the Asian Luge Championships in Nagano, Japan. He also has two gold medals in the Asia Cup.
“I was not expecting to get so many letters and messages of support and enc-ouragement after my announcement. I hope some of it may materialise into something tangible so that I can continue to represent India.”
