Former Odisha Throwball captain alleges mental harassment, threatens to end life over non-issuance of sports card

Former Odisha Throwball captain Chayakant Mahanand has alleged mental harassment by the state Sports department over the non-issuance of his sports card, despite fulfilling all eligibility criteria for the past three years.

Mahanand, a national-level Throwball player who has represented Odisha in three National Throwball Championships and captained the team in two of them, said he has repeatedly approached the department to obtain his sports card but has been ignored.

“This is my right as a national player. Even after running from pillar to post for three years, the department has not issued my sports card. I feel neglected and harassed,” Mahanand alleged.

Sources said Mahanand has reportedly threatened to commit suicide if the sports department fails to provide him the card immediately.

“If I had got the sports card, I could have utilised that in the Army, constable recruitment. This is not just me; there are many like me across Odisha who are waiting for their sports card. I have visited the department 20-25 times since 2023, but it has yielded no results. Even after meeting the Sports Minister, my grievance was not addressed. If it is not resolved, I will commit suicide,” said Mahanand.

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Officials from the Sports department are yet to respond to the allegations.