Sports Ministry to connect with NSFs on Thursday

The Sports Ministry will be holding a video conference meeting with 55 National Sports Federations on Thursday under the chairmanship of L.S. Singh, joint secretary, to discuss issues relating to compliance of directions contained in a recent Delhi High Court order.

It is well known, over the last nine months, there have been several issues pertaining to the recognition of NSFs which has become a topic of great discussion. At first, in the summer of 2020, the NSFs were derecognised after the Sports Ministry withdrew its affidavit in the Delhi High Court. It had been precipitated after there were intense arguments and the Sports Ministry had been caught napping.

Later, the Sports Ministry went to the highest court of the land in 2020, stating that recognitions to NSFs was a ‘matter of right’ and they would merely inform the Delhi High Court. The fresh recognition letters given to NSFs towards the end of 2020 in batches again came under scrutiny as noted lawyer Rahul Mehra pointed out several flaws in non-compliance of the National Sports Code.

It is no secret there are several NSFs among the 55-odd who have been given provisional recognition and do not deserve it. Not only have they flouted several rules and regulations but paid scant respect to implementing many provisions of the Sports Code.

Last week, the Delhi High Court wrote to the Sports Ministry highlighting the fact how NSFs could not be so lax and the flaws pointed out was a matter of concern. Two days ago, when the Sports Ministry came up with an interesting note, again an impression was given as if the Sports Code would be fully diluted.

The letter dated February 1, 2021, signed by L.Siddhartha Singh, JS, Sports Ministry stated that “The Government shall have the power to relax any of the provisions of the National Sports Code and other instructions issued with regard to recognition of NSFs, renewal of recognition to NSFs on annual basis and governance and management of Indian Olympic Association and NSFs as a special exemption where concerned necessary and expedient for the promotion of sports, sportspersons or to remove difficulties in giving true effect to that particular provision of the Sports Code, always being guided by and not inconsistent with the overarching spirit of good governance and ethical conduct enshrined in the Sports Code. The reasons for such relaxation shall be recorded in writing. Power to relax the provisions will vest with the (Sports) Minister incharge of the Ministry.”

 After this letter came into public domain, an impression was created as if the NSFs would go scot free and they would not have to follow the Sports Code. It is well known while the top federations do adhere by and large to the Sports Code, many NSFs have been told to set their house in order. There are inconsistencies in the concerned NSFs constitution as well as some claiming to be of a “peculiar sports nature” and not having to follow rules prescribed for good governance.

Notable among those not following the Sports Code  but breaking the code is the Equestrian Federation of India. It is anti its own riders and has been caught in its own web of intrigue. In addition, they do not hold elections as per the Sports Code and are currently in trouble as they do not have a president or senior vice  president (technical) following another Delhi High Court order.

The meeting on Thursday is being seen as an attempt by the Sports Ministry to ensure the recalcitrant NSFs again fall in line and do not think they will get any special treatment. The last anyone wants in the Olympic year is more muck on face for the  NSF or the IOA, or the Sports Ministry. Most important, the Sports Ministry, despite its order dated February 1, 2021, does not want to offend the Delhi High Court.