NEW DELHI, May 7: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed on “timely elections and transparent selections” in a day-long review meet with National Sports Federations (NSFs) here on Thursday and found “near unanimous” support for his push to criminalise doping.
Representatives from 37 NSFs, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse attended the meet to deliberate on India’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games this year.
The minister, it is reliably learnt, plans to hold monthly review meetings from now till the twin events to keep a watch on the preparations. The Commonwealth Games are due in July-August in Glasgow, followed by the Asian Games in Japan come September-October.
“India’s sporting future depends on stronger coordination between athletes, federations and governments,” Mandaviya stressed in a statement issued by the Sports Ministry.
A top NSF official, who attended the meet, told PTI that the minister was quite stern in his messaging.
“He made it clear that anyone who comes between the athlete and a medal will have to go,” the official said on conditions of anonymity.
Mandaviya called for “greater transparency, timely elections, and accountability” within NSFs to ensure “stronger institutional mechanisms” that can support athlete welfare.
“Nepotism will not be tolerated,” he was quoted as saying by another NSF official.
Mandaviya also touched upon the issue of doping which remains the bane of Indian sport.
Urged by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to criminalise doping just a few weeks back, Mandaviya has already stated that efforts are on to amend the current law and introduce jail terms and fines for those who supply prohibited substances to athletes. India has been topping WADA’s list of dope offenders for the past three years.
“Eradicating doping from the Indian sports ecosystem requires collective responsibility and strict action,” Mandaviya said, urging federations, coaches and support staff to do their bit by educating and sensitising athletes.
His proposal to criminalise doping also found support from the NSFs as the country battles a perception crisis while being in the race to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
“There was apprehension that like it happened back in 2018, the IOA would oppose the move but there was collective support for such a move,” said a reliable source.
The IOA had opposed the proposed penalties with its then secretary general Rajeev Mehta stating that supply of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) cannot be criminalised entirely as many of them are free for use in non-sporting environments.
Mandaviya also underlined the importance of scientific training, regular competition exposure, private sector participation, sports leagues, academies and governance reforms to improve India’s medal prospects at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
During the conclave, the National Sports Governance Act’s Rules and Reform Guidelines Handbook was also formally released by the minister. The much-awaited National Sports Board is yet to be constituted although a search and election committee, headed by the cabinet secretary, has been set up to finalise suitable candidates.
Mandaviya also emphasised on the need for “transparent athlete selection processes.”
“Government is committed to ensuring open and fair selection systems, enhanced competition exposure, stronger international engagement for federations and increased investment in athletes, coaches and governance mechanisms,” he said.
Khadse spoke on the importance of long-term planning to build a future-ready sporting ecosystem for the country.
“India’s march towards Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympics 2028 will be driven by performance, powered by science and anchored in stronger federations,” she said. (PTI)
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