Sports Ministry Says Autonomy Of NSFs Must Be Balanced With Coordination

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has emphasized that it cannot pull in different directions from National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), while aiming to host the 2036 Olympics.

Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse stated on Friday that her ministry is prioritizing accountability without compromising the autonomy of administrators. "There should not be politics and athletes should be the focus, their growth should be priority," she said.

"It is very important to achieve this given that we are aiming to host the 2036 Olympics. It would require a cohesive approach. The ministry, NSFs and the IOA cannot pull in different directions, their goal has to align," she added.

Khadse also highlighted that the ministry and the IOA have had differing views on the subject of autonomy. However, both parties seem to be working towards achieving a common objective - ensuring better coordination and athletes' growth.

IOA President PT Usha expressed concern over plans for a regulatory body to oversee NSF functioning, as proposed by the draft sports bill. The proposal would undermine the IOA, according to her, and could be seen as government interference by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

On the other hand, the ministry has been working towards reducing litigation among NSFs, as stated by Khadse.

Athletes have been struggling with persistent doping issues, which have led India to rank high on the global list of doping offenders. While the recently amended National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) with legal authority and investigative powers, Khadse emphasized that penalizing those who encourage doping among minors is essential.

"The recently amended National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 already empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) with legal authority and investigative powers similar to law enforcement bodies," she noted.

"We want to start Compulsory Anti-Doping Education for athletes, coaches, and parents as well as randomised testing at State and Junior Levels. Those who facilitate drugs or doping to minors should be penalised under a strict law," Khadse said.

With PTI Inputs