Commonwealth Games 2018: Indian Gymnasts yet to get a go ahead

The fact that with only a week in hand, India still cannot decide who to send as part of the gymnastics team for the Commonwealth Games is frankly, a little embarrassing. The Games begin on the 4th of April and after recent developments, the Indian contingent is supposed to leave for the Gold Coast only on the 2nd. Problems ensued when two of the gymnasts who were dropped, created a ruckus, accusing the IOA of foul play. The two athletes, Gaurav Kumar and Mohammad Bobby were initially picked to be part of the squad by the IOA panel on all-round criterion but they do not possess the requisite FIG license ID needed to compete.

According to the ESPN, the IOA had decided to push back the dates to ensure no further spectacle about the Indian gymnastics at the CWG, in case, anyone was to be dropped or picked up. He said, "It's the only way to avoid an embarrassment in case the court rules for a certain player or players to be replaced." The date had to be pushed back since the two gymnasts have now sought the intervention of the Delhi High Court and the matter is expected to be resolved only on the 30th of March. Considering the fact that the Commonwealth Games will be taking place in Australia, in the other hemisphere, a little bit of time was any way required for the athletes to simply settle down. Not only are factors like jet lag going to come into play but they are reaching the continent with only a day in hand. The Games begin on the fourth and the players are likely to reach on the third. Incidentally, that is the day for all the test runs to take place. Gymnasts use this time to use the gear and test themselves on the podium. Well, it is unlikely that the Indian contingent will get much of a shot with these preparations. Gaurav and Bobby were replaced earlier by Yogeshwar Singh and Rakesh Patra. Before the two dropped athletes raised their voices in indignance, Rakesh Patra had also moved to court after the team wasn't announced even three weeks after the trials that took place in February. Speaking of the situation as it stands, as reported by ESPN, an official close to the development said. "Patra and Yogeshwar are specialised in individual apparatus and are experienced gymnasts. This is the best possible team." "There is no court order directing the team to stay back until the ruling so it's not clear why the IOA is taking such a step which will only hamper the morale and preparation of gymnasts," he added. ALSO READ: I was born in the land of miracles. Only a miracle can help me now.