A day before they start trading punches among themselves, boxers in an inter-zonal tournament, a virtual selection trial for the Commonwealth Championships, were fuming over shabby accommodation arrangements at the event.
The organisers of the fourth Super Cup starting on Wednesday, however, insisted that the "chaos" was a result of "sooner-then-expected arrivals".
The Super Cup, though missing the star power of the likes of Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh and veteran Akhil Kumar, will have close to 350 boxers in action.
Their lodging arrangements have been made at the Andheri Sports Complex and participating boxers from the Commonwealth Games Core Group have been especially flown in from the national camp in Patiala.
However, upon landing, the boxers say they were left stunned by the arrangements at a tournament which would give the selection panel a chance to have a look at some of the lesser known names before a formal selection trial is held for the March 10 to 18 Commonwealth Championship.
"I landed here last night and there were no arrangements. No beds, no food. It was terrible," one of the participating boxers, who didn't wish to be named, told PTI.
"There was a lot of hype around this tournament and we were brought here by air only to sleep on the floor. And after all this we are expected to win international medals," said another sarcastically.
The organisers, Maharashtra Boxing Association, say the problems are a result of early arrivals.
"The reporting time for the tournament was today afternoon. Some teams landed up two days in advance. How can you expect the organisers to make arrangements? They said they will be on their own but we offered them lodging and now some of these guys are throwing tantrums," said MBA secretary general Jay Kowli.
"We are offering them furnished lodging, that means a cot, a mattress and bed cover. This for boys who are used to even sleeping on floor. Everything has been done according to federation norms," he added.
Some of the boxers denied turning up early, claiming they came as late as Monday night, while others, who did come early, insisted that they wanted to get acclimatised to the conditions after being in colder climes up North.
Not just the boxers, even the coaches and some other officials are complaining of shabby arrangements.
"We talk of having big international tournaments in India. Is this the way we will organise things? What are we talking about?" said one of the coaches.
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