Maken apologises to 1960 football heroes for shabby treatment

Sports minister Ajay Maken Thursday apologised to the 1960 Olympic football heroes as some of the former players had to pay for dinner after their felicitation here Wednesday.

"I apologise to the football team members who had to pay for their food after the ceremony," said Maken.

Some of the former footballers, who had stayed back Wednesday night after the felicitation, experienced shabby treatment at the Vishwa Yuva Kendra (VYK) where the ministry had put them up. Officials at the VYK, which is also under the ministry of sports and youth affairs, asked the footballers to pay for their dinner.

Injeti Srinivas, joint secretary (sports), said that the problem took place due to lack of communication.

"There were some problems due to lack of co-ordination. The officials at the Yuva Kendra were not aware that they were not charge anything from some of the former footballers, who stayed back. It was sorted out and we apologised to them as well," said Srinivas.