Sports fraternity demand inquiry into Usha's row

Sports fraternity on Tuesday reacted with anger, demanding a probe into the ill-treatment meted out to PT Usha during the 49th National Open Athletics Meet in Bhopal.

Legendary athlete Milkha Singh termed the incident "sad" and called for an immediate investigation into the whole matter.

"It is a very sad incident. Not only me, the entire country felt sad when they saw PT Usha crying on TV. An inquiry should immediately be ordered into the incident. Those responsible for the incident should be punished," said the 'Flying Sikh'.

Usha, who is in Bhopal with her wards, was offered a sub-standard accommodation at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel before the red-faced state government shifter her to a posh hotel.

Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra said it was not the way how a national athlete should be treated.

"The important thing is that sensitivity must be shown to athletes and former athletes who have put in lifetime of efforts to bring glory to the country. All they work for is little recognition and respect," Bindra said.

Another Olympic medallist Vijender Singh said athletes should come together to denounce the incident for it may happen to others.

"I think all the young sportspersons should stand up together and protest against it because today it happened with PT Usha, tomorrow it can happen with us," the boxer said.

Former athlete Shiney Wilson feels lack of corporate interest in athletics was one of the reasons for this shoddy treatment of sportspersons.

"I am very sad about it. They (organisers) should have given her good accommodation. But one thing is sure that state athletics bodies don't have much money. Athletics don't get any sponsorship to conduct meets," she said.