Bodybuilder who failed in physical fitness test to be given another chance? police mull re-test for Shinu Chovva

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been indicated that efforts are underway to give bodybuilding athlete Shinu Chovva another chance after he failed the physical fitness test for the post of Inspector in the Kerala Police. The move is being made after considering Shinu's request. Although the Cabinet had earlier recommended his appointment, he failed the physical fitness test conducted this morning. Following this, efforts are being made to give him another opportunity.

The physical fitness test was conducted at the Peroorkada SAP Ground, where Shinu failed in the 100-meter run, long jump, high jump, and 1500-meter run events. Another bodybuilding athlete, Chitharesh Natesan, who had also been recommended by the cabinet for the appointment, did not participate in the test.

Meanwhile, sports quota appointments in the state police force are typically given to athletes who have won medals in events recognized by the Olympics and National Games. There was significant criticism against the Cabinet’s decision to give appointments to the bodybuilders by bypassing these rules. The order stated that appointments were being made based on the achievements of the two at national and international levels, as well as their family backgrounds.

The decision was made by creating a supernumerary post and bending the rules. This move to appoint bodybuilders in violation of the regulations came while other medal-winning athletes at the international and national levels were still waiting for appointments.