NEW DELHI: Junior cyclist Lisha Das has escalated her tussle with the country’s sports authorities ahead of her departure for the Commonwealth Games, informing the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) that she will not wear India’s official kit and carry its Tricolour. He said he would stay outside the group’s hotel, travel on self-booked tickets and refuse federal travel and accommodation in Glasgow, saying he would “continue to be harassed, emotionally traumatized and helpless”.In another powerful e-mail – obtained by TOI – the athlete sought an acknowledgment from his coach, Aditya Mehta, that the Delhi High Court had already recognized as his coach. He said that Mehta, specialist K Dattatraya and physiotherapist Dr Asha Shaikh should be given the necessary opportunity as his assistant.Lisha also objected to the use of her photos on official platforms of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), saying they created a false impression that she was trained, sponsored or supported by the government. As a child, he said neither he nor his guardian had consented to the use of the images and warned of legal action if it was not removed.His latest communication came after the CFI informed him that it has booked flight tickets for Lisha, Dr Shaikh and Dattatraya and is making arrangements for admission, accommodation and airport transfers for the Indian para-cycling team in Glasgow. Mehta, however, was not included as his teacher.Rejecting the arrangement, Lisha wrote, “I will not wear government uniforms.”He said he personally paid for his education, equipment and participation in the Games. According to his coaching staff, the expenses totaled around Rs 12 lakh, including non-refundable air tickets, accommodation in Glasgow and the spring work paid for in his top flight.Lisha added that she saw no reason to represent a support group “for whom I did not receive the necessary support”. He said the agency had booked the tickets “without informing me in advance” and that his coach and support team had already completed their tour and accommodation due to “lack of clarity and timely communication”.Emphasizing that she will continue to represent India with pride, Lisha insisted that her independence should not compromise her need for the approval of Mehta and his supporters.
