Snakes found in pool ahead of swimming event hosted by UP Swimming Association in Lucknow

A four-day swimming competition organised by the Uttar Pradesh government at Guru Govind Singh Sports College, Lucknow, seems to be in troubled waters, with shocking incidents of mismanagement and misuse of public funds coming to light. The state-sponsored event, which is meant to provide a platform for budding swimmers, is organised under the Samanvay Scheme of Sports Directions, August 2023. The Uttar Pradesh Swimming Association and the state government is jointly organising the sub-junior and junior state-level swimming competition, which is to be held from August 3 to 6 in Lucknow.

Two snakes found in pool filled with contaminated water

Even before the competition could begin, two snakes were found in the swimming pool, sending shockwaves among the participants and the organisers. Concerned parents of the participants complained about the pool being filled with foul-smelling and contaminated water. Many alleged that it was infested with pests, posing serious health and safety risks to the swimmers. The appalling conditions forced the participants to abandon the competition, causing their year-long training efforts to go in vain.

Incident sparks public outrage

The incident has sparked outrage among the participants and the general public, who are now questioning the administration's lack of responsibility and accountability in the matter. Parents of one of the participants from the junior group expressed their disappointment at the incident, condemning the poor preparations and management on the part of the UP Sports Association.

While Guru Govind Singh Sports College has hosted several sporting events in the past, the evident negligence and lack of basic hygiene standards at the facility have drawn the public wrath over blatant wastage of resources and raised serious concerns about the utilisation of taxpayers' money for sporting events.

Citizens have stressed that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities concerned to prioritise sports infrastructure in the state to promote a conducive environment for sportspersons to thrive.