India Sports

MBMC Faces Backlash Over Denial of Funding to National Champion Nisha Gupta

Jul 20, 2025

Mira-Bhayandar | Shivraj Mishra

In a case highlighting deep-rooted bureaucratic apathy, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) is under public scrutiny after allegedly denying financial aid to national champion Nisha Gupta, a differently-abled athlete who has earned gold medals in national-level basketball tournaments.

Champion Ignored: Bureaucracy Over Merit

Despite bringing national recognition to Mira-Bhayandar, Nisha Gupta’s repeated efforts to seek support from the civic body have been met with rejection. Sources reveal that Gupta, a disabled girl with exceptional sporting achievements, has been summoned multiple times for procedural formalities, only to be consistently turned away.

The MBMC officer allegedly denied her funding, arguing that the basketball team she competed with was not composed entirely of players from Mira-Bhayandar — a condition deemed illogical by experts and community leaders alike.

Unfair Criteria for National-Level Athletes

“It is unreasonable to expect all players in a national-level team to belong to the same city,” said a source close to the athlete. “Teams are assembled from various districts to represent the state or nation. This explanation from MBMC displays a lack of understanding of competitive sports structures.”

Such rigid and misinformed criteria have become a barrier to talented athletes who rely on institutional support to continue their careers.

Community Outrage: Call for Policy Reform

The MBMC’s indifference has provoked sharp criticism from local residents and youth sports advocates. “It’s a disgrace that a gold medalist athlete from Mira-Bhayandar is being neglected by her own civic authority,” said a local sports coach. “Instead of celebrating her, the officer is hiding behind bureaucratic red tape.”

The incident has ignited widespread outrage, with many demanding that the MBMC re-evaluate its approach to sports funding and support for differently-abled athletes.

Demand for Accountability and Recognition

As the controversy grows, questions are being raised about the MBMC’s commitment to inclusive development and its willingness to nurture local talent. Community leaders are urging the civic body to immediately revisit Nisha Gupta’s case and ensure that deserving athletes are not denied due recognition and support.

“This is not just about one athlete,” said an activist. “This is about the system failing those who overcome all odds to shine. The MBMC must answer.”