Question : NON INTERFERENCE IN RUNNING OF SPORTS ORGANISATIONS

(a) whether the Union Government considers external political interference as one of the reasons for poor performance by India in international sports/games;

(b) if so, whether the Union Government is contemplating to legislate a law to keep various sports organisations in the country free of any external, bureaucratic or political interference;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the action plan under consideration of the Government to bring sports organizations under the control of sports persons?

THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ AND YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)

(a) India`s performance in international events is generally showing an improvement in the recent years. It is not possible to conclude that external political interference is one of the reasons for poor performance by India in international sports/games.

(b) to (d) : No, Sir. Sports figures in the `State List` of the Constitution and the Central Government do not have mandate to legislate on any sports matter.

(e) The National Sports Federations (NSFs)/Association are registered autonomous organizations and their office bearers are elected as per their respective Constitutions/Memorandum of Associations. However, as per the provisions contained in the `Guidelines for Assistance to National Sports Federations`, all NSFs are required to include prominent sportspersons of outstanding merit as their members on a tenure basis. The strength of such prominent sportspersons with voting rights should be a certain percentage (about 25%) of the total members representing the Federation.