Kejriwal govt names Sports Univ V-C, publicizes novel concept but no sporting complex… Is it a poll gimmick?

New Delhi: Kejriwal govt on Wednesday named India’s first woman Olympic medalist Karnam Malleswari as the vice-chancellor of the upcoming Delhi Sports University. The University, as conceived and announced by Delhi govt, aims to train world-class athletes who will showcase India’s sporting potential at international tournaments.

Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said that government will focus on “providing a space for individuals to build their athletic talent”, with the aim of nurturing at least “50 Olympians”.

Arvind Kejriwal tweeted on the appointment, “Delhi Sports University is starting. Our big dream has come true. I am extremely proud to say that Olympic medalist Karnam Malleswari ji will be the first Vice-Chancellor.”

दिल्ली स्पोर्ट्स यूनिवर्सिटी शुरू हो रही है। हमारा बहुत बड़ा सपना पूरा हुआ। मुझे ये कहते हुए बेहद गर्व है कि ओलम्पिक पदक विजेता कर्णम मल्लेश्वरी जी पहली कुलपति होंगी। आज उनके साथ मुलाक़ात हुई और विस्तार से चर्चा हुई। pic.twitter.com/h0At7FMe4b

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 23, 2021

University exists on paper only, appointment just an eyewash?

The University, as envisioned, will be a full-fledged institution for promoting sporting talent and will provide degrees upto Phd level in sporting disciplines. But, the irony is that no construction has begun on the site, till date.

The state cabinet had passed an order for setting up the university in Mundka in October 2019 but the ground zero remains a mere open area. Reports also suggest that tenders are yet to be floated for building the sporting complex.

Delhi govt can cite Coronavirus as the reason for delay but can it justify the publicity and funds being spent for publicizing the ‘novel concept’ of state govt.

एक ईट तक लगी नहीं ,कोई टेंडर हुआ नही और Delhi Sports University के Vice Chancellor की नियुक्ति गाजे बाजे के साथ हो गई..ऐसा धोखा इतिहास में शायद ही किसी मुख्यमंत्री ने किया है..कब तक अपने झूठ के सहारे दिल्ली को ठगते रहोगे @ArvindKejriwal? pic.twitter.com/btyCsbZSUh

— Amit Kharkhari (@KharkhariAmit) June 24, 2021

Political rivals call it a mere eyewash and a poll gimmick by Kejriwal government.

“As the Delhi MCD elections are around the corner, the state govt has started playing to the gallery and impressing the electorate with fake promises,” said a BJP leader.

India’s first woman Olympic medalist Karnam Malleshwari won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She has also been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Padma Shri.