NEW DELHI: Shortage of LPG supply in India due to conflict in West Asia has raised concerns among Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centers of Excellence (NCoE) across the country. Leaders of the regional centers fear that the disruption of cooking gas supply could hamper the preparation of athletes for the CWG and Asian Games later this year.Several NCoE leaders admitted privately that the “tense situation” could worsen in the coming days and that alternative options such as induction hobs, compatible cookware and electrical appliances were being worked out.
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SAI has 23 NCoEs and 64 STCs across the country, with residential and canteen facilities. According to sources’ estimates, a SAI-run regional center with proper canteen facilities typically requires 50-60 commercial bottles for kitchen use every month.It was learned that some NCoE leaders, who also manage the Small Training Centers (STCs) in their regions, have written to the regional managers of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) urging them to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders, especially during such “unusual global situations”.TOI is in possession of one such letter written by Ritu A. Pathik, Executive Director, SAI National Regional Center (NRC) Sonepat, to the office of HP Gas, HPCL, demanding regular supply of 19kg commercial LPG cylinders at government-approved prices, ordering around 90 cylinders per month to the SAI centre.“Currently around 250 athletes are undergoing regular training under NCoE at this center and around 100 athletes are training in national coaching camps in preparation for the upcoming Asian Games. You are requested to ensure regular supply of 19kg commercial LPG gas cylinders at the state approved rate, approximately 90 cylinders Spatne per month to the NRC supplier.
