PT Usha warns ministry, says sports bill will invite IOC sanction
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has cautioned the sports ministry that the proposed draft of the Sports Bill may invite sanctions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Sports minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya met with the representatives of the various National Sports Federations (NSFs) and IOA on Thursday to discuss the draft with the stakeholders. Usha, who also attended the meeting, in her written submission has said that a few provisions, including the formation of a Sports Regulatory Body, that will grant recognition to NSFs may be construed by international federations (IFs) as an act to take away the autonomy of sports bodies.
“In its current form the proposed Sports Regulatory Authority is granted extensive powers to control and regulate the functioning of these bodies, and it will be perceived as infringing upon the autonomy of IOA and NSFs. This may lead to a conflict between the government and international sports governance bodies, particularly the IOC, which has previously suspended many National Olympic committees for excessive governmental interference,” Usha wrote.
“The proposed Sports Regulatory Authority, if seen as undermining the IOA’s autonomy, will lead the IOC to question the alignment of India’s sports governance with the Olympic Charter. A suspension would have severe implications, not only limiting India’s participation in the Olympic Games but also hindering its international reputation as a sporting nation,” she added.
Further, she has also sought clarity on the role of State Olympic Associations, which according to her is a key link for grass root development of sports.
“The bill's silence on their role could undermine the decentralisation of sports governance and miss the opportunity to involve local bodies in nurturing regional talent. Given their influence in state-level sports events and local representation at the national level, the omission of any defined role for SOAs weakens the overall framework for the holistic development of sports in India,” she said.
