Question : DISCRIMINATION IN SELECTION OF SPORTSPERSONS

(a) whether complaints have been received regarding discrimination in selection of sportspersons participating in International/National sports competitions causing resentment among other sportspersons;

(b) if so, the number of such complaints received during each of the last three years and the current year along with the action taken thereon, sports/disciplinewise;

(c) the action taken by the Government thereon;

(d) whether some National Sports Federations have not been implementing the framed norms for selecting the participants in the said competitions; and

(e) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (e) Madam, National Sports Federations (NSFs) are autonomous bodies registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. The Government does not interfere in their day to day affairs which include holding of sports events, selection of players, etc.

However, Government has laid down procedure for selecting sports-persons for participating in different sports competitions. As per the procedure, the selection of sportspersons/teams for participation in major international events is the responsibility of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned. The Selection Committee consists of the President of the concerned NSF, the National Coach and a representative of the Indian Olympic Association. The Government appoints eminent sports-persons as Government Observers who give their feedback to the Government including on selection issues.

With a view to ensuring fair and transparent selection, the Government has issued guidelines requiring the NSFs to communicate the detailed selection criteria/norms, schedule of trials, etc to players, coaches and Government Observers well in advance.

During the past, a few cases of alleged discrimination in selection of sportspersons by the National Sports Federations (NSFs) were received by the Government. While action on such complaints including seeking reports from the concerned NSFs and Government Observers and giving suitable advice to NSFs is taken by the Government, year-wise data is not maintained.