Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 05 March 2025
Many athletes from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing financial hardship due to the delayed disbursal of their rightful cash awards. The issue was recently highlighted by renowned cyclist Esow Alban, who took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice the concerns of athletes from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In his post, Esow urged the authorities to release the pending cash awards and requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to intervene urgently.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration had, in August 2024, directed government departments and State Level Sports Associations recognised by the Andaman and Nicobar State Sports Council (A&N SSC) to submit the names of athletes who had secured medals or top positions in recognised national and international competitions held between April 2022 and March 2023, and between April 2023 and March 2024. The initiative aimed to honour and recognise the achievements of exceptional athletes, with the administration announcing substantial cash prizes based on the level of competition and position secured.
Over the years, athletes from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have consistently brought laurels to the region, excelling in national and international competitions. Their journey to the podium, however, is fraught with challenges, requiring relentless training in camps far from home, sacrificing personal comforts, and dedicating themselves entirely to their sport. Despite their unwavering commitment, financial insecurity continues to be a pressing concern.
The delay in disbursing the announced cash awards not only adds to their financial burdens but also risks demoralising these talented athletes. Timely financial support is crucial to ensure they can focus on their training and future competitions without undue stress. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration must act swiftly to release the pending cash awards and support the athletes who have worked tirelessly to bring pride to the region and the nation.