Taekwondo Player's Emotional Plea Highlights Concerns Over Sports Funding

A national-level Taekwondo player has raised serious concerns regarding sports funding after alleging she was asked to pay INR 1.5 lakh for international selection. During a youth conclave with Uttarakhand's Chief Minister, she expressed her distress over being unable to represent India despite winning a gold medal. The incident has sparked discussions about corruption and transparency in sports administration. Following the event, the athlete clarified her situation, revealing the financial challenges she faced in attending an international tournament. This controversy sheds light on the complexities surrounding athlete funding and administrative practices in sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 18:09 IST

Taekwondo Player's Distress Over Selection Fees

A national-level Taekwondo athlete has voiced her distress to Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after being reportedly asked to pay INR 1.5 lakh for her selection in international competitions, despite her recent gold medal win at the national championship.

During a gathering known as 'Mukhyamantri Yuva Vidyarthi Manthan' (Chief Minister Youth Student Conclave), which involved students from 2828 registered educational institutions, CM Dhami engaged with the youth, addressing their ideas and concerns.

This initiative aims to empower students by providing them a platform to express their thoughts directly to the government, with Dhami emphasizing the administration's commitment to enhancing educational and career opportunities for the youth.

Controversy Arises During Student Interaction

While interacting with students, the event took a dramatic turn when a Taekwondo player accused the authorities of demanding a payment for her international participation.

In a viral video, the athlete shared her experience of winning a gold medal at the national level but being asked to pay INR 1.5 lakh for her international selection. She became emotional, stating that this demand prevented her from representing India.

She recounted, 'I recently participated in the Taekwondo nationals and won a gold medal. I was selected for international events, but they demanded INR 1.5 lakh for my selection, which stopped me from competing internationally.'

CM Dhami's Response to Allegations

Instead of addressing the serious allegations regarding sports administration, CM Dhami interrupted her, asking her to sit down and briefly inquiring about her school before instructing officials to take note of her details.

This incident has gained significant attention online, with many questioning the integrity and transparency of the sports selection process.

Clarification from the Taekwondo Player

Following the event, the Taekwondo player, identified as Sahra, provided clarification regarding her earlier claims about the alleged bribe.

In a subsequent video, she explained that she had traveled to Jammu for the national championships and qualified for an international tournament in Romania. The organizers had offered INR 1.7 lakh for expenses, but she needed to cover the remaining amount herself.

Sahra stated, 'I attended CM sir's program but couldn't share all the details. My selection was in Jammu, and I was chosen for the international games in Romania. They offered me INR 1.7 lakh, but I had to pay the rest myself.'

Understanding the Nuances of the Controversy

The initial allegations of a bribe and the subsequent clarification from the athlete have added complexity to the situation, highlighting the difference between administrative corruption and the financial burdens faced by athletes.

The total cost for the competition, including travel, was approximately ₹3.70 lakh, with the private organization covering ₹1.70 lakh, leaving Sahra responsible for the remaining ₹1.50–1.60 lakh.