The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has come out with a list of 54 approved national sports federations, keeping several out of its purview. Strict enforcement of the national sports code of 2011 has resulted in this fate for various sports bodies as they struggle to meet the tough requirements as well as other administrative reforms envisaged in the code.
Board of Control for Cricket in India resisted for long coming under the scrutiny of the National Anti-Doping Agency, the affiliated body of WADA, which was long accepted by ICC. That BCCI had little choice but to fall in line is ample evidence that the mandarins of sports ministry will not hesitate to crack the whip against erring federations.
Cricket not just happens to be the richest sports federation in the country but also has its independent resources like stadia and other facilities. Yet BCCI must still seek government approval when it comes to matters related to foreign exchange. That appears to be the tipping point for BCCI which knew its resistance was meaningless since it must obtain clearance from Reserve Bank of India for every such transaction.
Government approval is key for all sports since their participation in competitions abroad is dependent upon it. Training facilities also belong to the government, run through its implementation arm, the Sports Authority of India.
Payment of salaries for coaches, both foreign and home-grown, as well as permanent staff of almost all sports federations is dependent on government grants. And these come with the rider that the sports code must be accepted and followed in letter and spirit.
One of the biggest bones of contention is the fixed tenure for elected federation officials.
Horse polo seems to be one of the sports to have successfully avoided censure by having ex-officio president and secretary. The Chief of Army Staff heads IPA and commandant of the world's only mounted regiment, the 61st Cavalry, serves as secretary general. Terms are solely dependent on the length of service in the official positions!
People in power, used to running the federations like personal fiefdoms, are reluctant to let go but now seem to have reached the end of the rope as the sports ministry hardens its stance.
The ministry's offer of appointing paid chief executives, whose complete cost would be borne by the government, has only added to the misery of federations. The move ensures that government has a say in all affairs, including selection, training and participation in competitions abroad.
To maintain their "autonomy", several federations tried in vain to assert themselves through international body diktats but all came a cropper. Now with the sports ministry not willing to relent, may be the time has come for Indian sports to start working with the government. After all the government picks up the tab!
Board of Control for Cricket in India resisted for long coming under the scrutiny of the National Anti-Doping Agency, the affiliated body of WADA, which was long accepted by ICC. That BCCI had little choice but to fall in line is ample evidence that the mandarins of sports ministry will not hesitate to crack the whip against erring federations.
Cricket not just happens to be the richest sports federation in the country but also has its independent resources like stadia and other facilities. Yet BCCI must still seek government approval when it comes to matters related to foreign exchange. That appears to be the tipping point for BCCI which knew its resistance was meaningless since it must obtain clearance from Reserve Bank of India for every such transaction.
Government approval is key for all sports since their participation in competitions abroad is dependent upon it. Training facilities also belong to the government, run through its implementation arm, the Sports Authority of India.
Payment of salaries for coaches, both foreign and home-grown, as well as permanent staff of almost all sports federations is dependent on government grants. And these come with the rider that the sports code must be accepted and followed in letter and spirit.
One of the biggest bones of contention is the fixed tenure for elected federation officials.
Horse polo seems to be one of the sports to have successfully avoided censure by having ex-officio president and secretary. The Chief of Army Staff heads IPA and commandant of the world's only mounted regiment, the 61st Cavalry, serves as secretary general. Terms are solely dependent on the length of service in the official positions!
People in power, used to running the federations like personal fiefdoms, are reluctant to let go but now seem to have reached the end of the rope as the sports ministry hardens its stance.
The ministry's offer of appointing paid chief executives, whose complete cost would be borne by the government, has only added to the misery of federations. The move ensures that government has a say in all affairs, including selection, training and participation in competitions abroad.
To maintain their "autonomy", several federations tried in vain to assert themselves through international body diktats but all came a cropper. Now with the sports ministry not willing to relent, may be the time has come for Indian sports to start working with the government. After all the government picks up the tab!
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