The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Wednesday said that several steps have been taken, including the appointment of psychology counselors to counsel the trainees, in order to address the issue of suicide attempt by four women athletes in Kerala.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy spoke on behalf of Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal in the Lok Sabha and said that the decisions in this regard were taken based on DG SAI’s interaction with the trainees at the SAI centre.
“Psychology counselors may be engaged to counsel the trainees so that they can come out of the emotional trauma…Particular care would be taken to ensure psychological and emotional rehabilitation of the three girls who have survived the suicide attempt…The mothers of girl trainees may be allowed to stay in the hostel for a week or so until the situation normalises,” Rudy said in a statement.
“The trainees who are keen to take a short break may be allowed to be taken home by their parents provided their presence is not required for the ongoing investigations…Hostels should be constructed by using pre-fabricated technology and all the inmates should be shifted within the shortest possible time to the premises of SAI centre…An Assistant Director will be stationed at Alappuzha until normalcy is restored,” he added.
Rudy further said that the shocking and tragic incident that occurred at SAG Water Sports Centre, Alappuzha does point out an urgent need to strengthen the SAI training system, adding that SAI has made elaborate suggestions for the purpose.
“Engagement of counseling psychologists in all SAI training centres for the purpose of group counselling as well as one-on-one counseling. This is considered most essential for the emotional well-being of the trainees,” he said.
“Yoga may be introduced as a compulsory activity in all SAI centres, as it would have a salutory effect on holistic development and emotional well-being of SAI trainees. Part-time Yoga instructors may be engaged for this purpose,” he added.
He said that the ministry will request iconic sportspersons to adopt SAI centres and act as SAI trainee mentors which will not only inspire young SAI trainees but also enable them to emulate the qualities of their role models.
“A 24 x 7 Helpline may be introduced for SAI trainee related grievance redressal, especially for reporting the cases of sexual harassment…A robust institutionalised mechanism should be put in place to maintain close rapport and coordination with the State Sports department,” he said.
“An Expert Committee may be constituted to study the existing SAI training system and make necessary recommendations for its further improvement in the areas of sports and related infrastructure, equipment support, coaching, sports science (including sports medicine and sports psychology), competition exposure, skill development, management, holistic trainee development, athlete grievance redressal, anti-sexual harassment measures and overall security,” he added.
Last week, four girls at the SAI hostel in Kerala attempted suicide after allegedly being harassed, after which, one of the students died and the other three were in a critical condition.
The girls were suspected to have consumed a poisonous fruit inside the hostel. (ANI)