Lisha, representing India in para cycling, has reached out to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and the Sports Ministry for clarity on the accreditation of her personal coach Aditya Mehta and her support team.
The young athlete mentioned that she has spent over two months trying to get confirmation for her support staff, which includes coach Aditya Mehta, physiotherapist Dr. Asha Shaikh, and a specialized technician for para cycling.
While Shaikh’s travel was eventually sanctioned after numerous representations and court intervention, Lisha stated that there is still no clarity regarding Mehta’s accreditation and travel plans. Instead, authorities suggested K. Dattatraya as a replacement technician and coach, despite Lisha insisting that these roles are not interchangeable.
In an email sent to sports authorities on Thursday, Lisha described the situation as extremely distressing.
“I am penning this e-mail with a heavy heart and immense emotional distress. As an athlete, my sole focus should be on my training and preparing to represent my country to the best of my ability. However, since May 15, I have been tirelessly trying to reach the concerned officials for clarity and support regarding my participation and travel plans for the Commonwealth Games.”
She noted that her coach and his organization have independently financed much of her training, equipment, and preparation.
“Despite numerous communications and reminders, instead of gaining clarity, I have encountered continuous uncertainty and significant mental pressure.”
Lisha’s concerns were previously highlighted by PTI this month, after which Mehta stated he was willing to arrange the complete support team independently if needed.
“Lisha is India’s youngest and first para cyclist to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, and she is also the first Indian female para cyclist to achieve this qualification. Yet, instead of concentrating on representing the country, this young athlete is compelled to deal with administrative battles solo,” Mehta remarked.
The teenager also emphasized that, as a minor, discussions concerning her participation should occur directly with her coach and physiotherapist, whom she regards as her guardians during competitions.
She further stated that Mehta’s position as her coach had already been documented during proceedings in the Delhi High Court.
“Despite the court proceedings and the orders laid down by the Hon’ble High Court, I have continued to experience significant uncertainty, repeated communications, and what I perceive as considerable mental harassment regarding the same issue of my coach and support team.”
Lisha clarified that she has no issue with K. Dattatraya traveling as a technician but insisted that Mehta must accompany her as her coach.
“A technician and a coach have distinct roles and responsibilities, and they cannot be treated as interchangeable.”
She also warned that if her coach is not allowed to travel with her, she would arrange her own travel at her own expense instead of traveling under the auspices or financial support of the Government of India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the PCI, or the CFI.
Lisha additionally stated that she has not received substantial institutional support for the competitions, equipment, and preparation that enabled her to qualify for the Commonwealth Games, and requested that the relevant organizations refrain from claiming credit for her achievements or using her photos for promotional activities without her consent.
