13-year-old girl sailor thrown out from sports academy:Bhopal teenager Dhruvi struggles for academy entry since 2023

A story has emerged from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, that defies the slogans of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save Daughter, Educate Daughter). Dhruvi Tandon, a talented 13-year-old sailor from here, has been struggling for 3 years to re-enter the Water Sports Academy. Dhruvi’s only fault was that she wanted to play, but the academy officials questioned her character and showed her the way out. Dhruvi’s pain – All the children used to go to play, they used to stop me Dhruvi tearfully explained that when she got admission to the Water Sports Academy in 2022 at the age of 10, everything was fine, but after a year, discrimination suddenly began. Younger sister Siddhi also a victim of the system: Won medals, still asked for bribe Dhruvi’s younger sister, Siddhi Tandon, is also an excellent rowing player. She has won several medals at international and national levels. The family alleges that despite being selected for the 2025 Optimist Asian Championship to be held in Oman, Siddhi’s name was removed from the list. A bribe of 50 thousand rupees was demanded to re-add her name. Officials taunted, saying – What will your daughter achieve by playing? Which medal will she win and which job will she get? Siddhi’s excellent record Mother sold anklets-mangalsutra, father said – if I had known, I would have killed her in the womb To keep their daughters in sports, this family put everything on the line. Politics of Revenge: Paying the price for an old complaint According to Father Ritesh Tandon, all this is happening due to an old grudge. In 2021-22, his son (a kayaking player) was expelled from the academy because the coach’s son was in the competition. The family then complained to the PMO, the Governor, and the Human Rights Commission, after which the son was reinstated. The family alleges that since then, Shipra Srivastava, in charge of MP Water Sports Academy, and other coaches have been harassing their daughters together. The father has demanded action against Shipra Srivastava, Club In-charge Dalbir Singh Rajput, Life Guard Shekhar Batham, and Coach Piyush Kanti Baroi. Officials’ attitude: Some on leave, others didn’t answer calls When an attempt was made to know the side of the academy and concerned officials in this matter, their attitude was evasive. In-charge Shipra Srivastava first called for a meeting. Then she was found missing from the office. On the phone, she said- I cannot give a statement, talk to the director. Director Anshuman Singh Yadav said- I am on leave till June 2. I don’t remember this case. He asked to speak to the Joint Secretary. Joint Secretary Balu Singh Yadav did not answer the call. Result: MP’s talent is playing for other states