Persistent issues within feds must now come to an end: Mandaviya

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday made it clear that persistent issues within sports federations, including internal politics, corruption, unfair selection trials, injustice to athletes, governance disputes, and financial irregularities, must now come to an end. "For us, the athlete and the nation's reputation are paramount," he said, adding that while the Government respects the autonomy of federations, the same commitment to integrity, transparency, and athlete-centric governance must be demonstrated by all sporting bodies.

Addressing the Sports Governance Conclave in Ahmedabad, Mandaviya emphasised that the federations must ensure fair and timely elections, financial transparency, functional athlete commissions, ethics commissions, and strict compliance with prescribed governance norms. Dr. Mandaviya stated that over the past 1.5 years, the Government has laid a strong institutional foundation that clearly reflects its intent to reform Indian sports. "Once a decision is taken, the Government has demonstrated both political will and clarity of purpose in its implementation," he said, citing key initiatives such as the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA), Khelo Bharat Niti, reforms in ANSF norms, and improvements in coach recruitment systems.

Dr. Mandaviya also announced that the Government would soon introduce key policy initiatives, including transparent and standardised selection trials, the "One Corporate, One Sport" model, and enhanced athlete welfare packages.Reiterating India's long-term sporting vision, the Minister declared that achieving a Top-10 finish in the Olympic medal tally is a non-negotiable national goal, underlining the critical role of National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations in realising this ambition.Describing the present phase as the Golden Period of Indian Sports, Dr. Mandaviya concluded with a strong message of accountability: "History will remember what we achieve now, and it will not forgive what we fail to do."

The conclave was organised by the Government of India, in association with the Government of Gujarat and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad. The conclave was attended by representatives of National Sports Federations (NSFs), State Olympic Associations, and members of the IOA Executive Council. Gujarat Dy CM Harsh Sanghvi was also present.

(State Correspondent)