Question : Condition of Sports Persons

(a) whether instances of gross neglect of national level sportspersons particularly athletes have come to the notice of the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the neglect and hapless condition of national athletes has become a deterrent for talented sportspersons and athletes to pursue their sports;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto; and

(e) the measures proposed to be taken by the Government to ensure a life of dignity for its national level athletes and sportspersons?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (e) Yes, Madam. Promotion and development of various discipline of sports including organizing National/International championships in India is the responsibility of the National Sports Federations (NSFs). Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) which is a recognized NSF had conducted 15th National Para Athletic Championship, 2015 at Ghaziabad from 20th to 22nd March, 2015. The Federation came under sharp criticism from media etc due to poor conduct of the games in all aspects viz. logistics, technical, administrative etc including hapless condition of the national athletes.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) had conducted an enquiry which showed that there had been a total lack of planning in conceptualization and conduct of a prestigious event like National Para Athletic Championship on the part of PCI officials. The Government suspended PCI because of their failure to conduct the National Para Athletic Championship in the desired manner and also due to its suspension by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The primary responsibility for organizing various championships rests with the National Sports Federations (NSFs). It is incumbent upon them to take all measures for smooth conduct of the championships with a vision to empower the athletics to reach their optimum potential. The Ministry has issued guidelines dated 23-04-2015 to all NSFs to ensure compliance of the same for conducting championships/tournaments.

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