Dattu Bhokanal in deep trouble

In what can termed as one of the worst cases of indiscipline in Indian sport over the last two-and-a-half years, Naib Subedar Dattu Baban Bhokanal again grabs headlines.

The Indian rower who has  been attached with the ARN (Army Rowing Unit) since May 2013 had done well to represent India in the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, when he “tanked a race” (singles sculls) in 2018 at the Palembang Asian Games, there was a huge furore.

The Rowing Federation had banned him and the matter seemed closed.  However, Dattu, who leaves no stone unturned in writing letters, first write to the RFI and then the Athletes Commission of the Indian Olympic Association last year to get the ban overturned.

It would not be an exaggeration to state that when the Sports Ministry was also acting tough with the RFI over their elections last year and wanted changes in their constitution, Dattu was also a bargaining tool. It is no secret, the babus in the Sports Ministry had pressurised the RFI to lift the ban on him last year.

Once the ban was lifted, Dattu had all the time to train for the Tokyo Olympics. On the other hand, the RFI was dealing with its own recognition issues.

In the last two weeks there have been plenty of email exchanges. Dattu has been chucked out of the ARN camp which is run jointly by the Army and the RFI in a  bio bubble. His leave record shows he has missed the camp far too long (over 150 days) and even now wanted leave.

If first he took leave repeatedly, he was warned that this is the time to train for the postponed Olympics. This website spoke to many people in the rowing fraternity and Indian Army. The verdict is that Dattu has become lax, does not want to train hard and is more keen to spend time at home in Maharashtra.

He had complained of knee pain. It was examined by Army doctors who said there was no problem. Dattu then insisted on seeing a private doctor. Investigations like X-ray revealed he has no knee problem. The problem, if any, is how Dattu has been losing out to younger rowers in the ARN in timings in Pune.

A top former rower told this website Dattu is distracted. After getting the Arjuna  Award this year, he has lost further focus. He was an asset but now is not willing to train.

Jakar Khan, Bittu Singh, Parminder Singh and Sawarn Singh are clocking good times now in the camp, according to insiders. In the Light Weight Double Sculls (LM2x) Arvind Singh, Arjunlal Jat are timing well with Sunil Attri(reserve) backing up the pair.  There is no mention of Dattu working hard and clocking good times.

Officially, Dattu has been sent back to his unit. However, the Naib Subedar is trying other tricks, to get into the TOPS scheme (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). If the Army has cited phrases like ” lacks sincerity, intent of purpose and devotion to duty and sent back to his regional centre..” for Dattu, it is hard to visualise the TOPS pampering him.

Indiscipline is something least expected from a Fauji but Dattu has indulged in it repeatedly is now the impression.

But there are also good examples like Sawarn Singh. who participated in the  2012 London Olympic. He remains modest and trains hard.

From the Indian rowing point of view, the Olympic qualifiers which were to be held in Chungju, South Korea this year has been postponed due to Covid-19. The next qualification will be in 2021, dates of which are not clear.