New Delhi, May 8:
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed on “timely elections and transparent selections” in a day-long stock-taking meet with National Sports Federations (NSFs) here on Thursday, while also urging them to aggressively tackle the menace of 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.
“India’s sporting future depends on stronger coordination between athletes, federations and governments,” Mandaviya stressed in a statement issued by the Sports Ministry.
He called for “greater transparency, timely elections, and accountability” within NSFs to ensure “stronger institutional mechanisms” that can support athlete welfare.
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.
He 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.
The Commonwealth Games are due in July-August in Glasgow, followed by the Asian Games in Japan come September-October.
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.