Draft National Sports Governance Bill Introduced for Public Consultation

Draft National Sports Governance Bill Introduced for Public Consultation

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has introduced the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024, for public consultation. This significant move aims to reshape the future of Indian sports by introducing modern and flexible governance standards.

The Bill proposes the establishment of a Sports Regulatory Board of India to oversee and regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs). This independent body will ensure compliance with governance standards, protect athlete welfare, and handle recognition and enforcement.

To promote transparency and accountability, the Bill mandates NSFs to implement a Safe Sport Policy and establish an internal grievance mechanism. It also creates an Appellate Sports Tribunal to expedite sports-related disputes, streamlining resolution processes.

The Bill emphasizes gender equality and athlete representation by requiring at least 30% of Executive Committee members to be women and 10% to be Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit. It also encourages grassroots democracy by allowing wider participation in sports federation decision-making.

To ensure continuity and leverage experience, the Bill allows individuals who have served two consecutive terms as President, Secretary General, or Treasurer to serve again after a four-year cooling period.

This Bill is a crucial step towards India’s ambition to host the 2036 Summer Olympics. It aims to elevate the governance standards of NSFs, aligning them with international best practices. The consultation process invites all stakeholders to actively participate and ensure the Bill addresses the needs of India’s sporting community.

IOA President PT Usha Faces No-Confidence Motion from Executive Committee

IOA President PT Usha Faces No-Confidence Motion from Executive Committee

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is embroiled in a power struggle, with 12 of its 15 executive committee members planning to move a motion of no confidence against president PT Usha at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 25.

The rift between Usha and the EC members has escalated, leading to a 26-point agenda for the SGM. The agenda includes discussions on Usha’s functioning, conduct, non-compliance with the IOA constitution, and failure to convene an Annual General Meeting.

The EC members also allege that Usha has “pressurized the finance committee to approve unauthorized expenses related to her.” The agenda’s final point is a “vote of no confidence against the president.”

The agenda also includes a detailed discussion on sponsorship agreements executed by Usha without consulting the sponsorship committee or the executive council. Usha has faced scrutiny after a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report observed a loss of ₹24 crore to IOA due to Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) being given four extra events without any extra price.

Usha has defended her actions, claiming that the EC members were aware of the negotiations with RIL and that it was done to protect the rights fee payable by the company. However, the EC members have objected to Usha’s unilateral decisions and have accused her of violating the constitution.

The dispute has also centered around the appointment of Raghuram Iyer as CEO. The EC members have objected to his pay package and have brought back joint secretary Kalyan Chaubey as acting CEO. Usha has called an SGM to discuss the dispute and put it to a vote.

The agenda also includes matters related to corruption and complaints against some EC members regarding their ineligibility to hold office. The EC members have accused Usha of non-compliance with constitutional mandates and unilateral decision-making.

The showdown between Usha and the EC members has reached a critical point, with the motion of no confidence potentially leading to her removal as president.

Indian Sport: Paris Disappointment Raises Questions About Governance and Athlete Commitment

Indian Sport: Paris Disappointment Raises Questions About Governance and Athlete Commitment

India’s Olympic aspirations took a hit at the Paris Games, falling short of expectations and raising questions about the state of Indian sport. While funding and infrastructure have improved, concerns have emerged regarding athlete commitment and the effectiveness of sports governance.

Post-Paris reviews have shifted the focus from blaming the government to scrutinizing the athletes themselves. Prakash Padukone’s call for introspection has sparked a debate about the responsibility of athletes to deliver results.

However, it’s important to note that funding is not the sole determinant of success. Ukraine and Israel, with limited resources, have achieved significant medal hauls. England’s impressive performance highlights the need for India to reassess its sports strategy.

Reforms are necessary to improve sports governance and create an ecosystem that fosters excellence. A National Sports Board, consisting of experts and independent directors, could provide vision and policy guidance.

TOPS, the flagship program for elite athletes, should be upgraded and granted administrative independence to enhance efficiency and athlete support.

Addressing the unprofessionalism and incompetence of National Sports Federations (NSFs) remains a challenge. Implementing the Sports Code could improve accountability, but its realization seems distant.

Despite the setbacks, there are positive signs. Sports has gained prominence, and parents and industry are investing in athletes. However, it’s crucial to manage expectations and avoid unrealistic hype.

Ultimately, the success of Indian sport depends on the hard work and dedication of athletes. However, a supportive ecosystem and effective governance are essential to unlock their potential and achieve Olympic glory.

Abhinav Bindra Receives Prestigious Olympic Order for Outstanding Contributions

Abhinav Bindra Receives Prestigious Olympic Order for Outstanding Contributions

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic Gold medalist, has been bestowed with the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This honor recognizes Bindra’s exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Bindra’s journey to this remarkable achievement is marked by numerous accolades and contributions both on and off the field. As an athlete, he became the first Indian to win an individual Olympic Gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games in the Men’s 10m Air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first Indian to win a World Championship Gold in Air Rifle Shooting.

Over his two-decade-long career, Bindra won over 150 individual medals, earning recognition as one of India’s greatest sports icons. His exceptional service to the sport was further acknowledged when he was awarded the Blue Cross in 2018, the highest honor by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).

Beyond his achievements in sports, Bindra has made significant contributions to sports governance. He chaired the ISSF Athletes Committee for eight years and currently serves as a member of the IOC Athlete Commission and Education Commission. These roles allow him to influence the development of global sports policies and advocate for athletes worldwide.

Post-retirement, Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. Through initiatives focused on high-performance training, education, and social upliftment, ABFT aims to bring global best practices to the Indian sporting landscape.

A key initiative under Bindra’s leadership is the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which is being implemented in partnership with the IOC’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam. Launched in Odisha in 2022 and Assam in 2023, OVEP aims to instil the core Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in over 11,000 schools, impacting more than 1 million schoolchildren.

Bindra’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is reflected in the Odisha Ridley Forest Project, an initiative aimed at preserving the natural habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the Odisha coastline.

This recognition highlights Bindra’s enduring legacy in the world of sports and his continued efforts to promote the values of Olympism globally.

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