The new Sports Policy draft has belittled the hosting of mega events like Asian Games and Formula One race in the country and emphasised on the need for winning more medals at international events.
Taking a dig at the Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi, the policy stated the mega events would be of “very short-term benefits” for the country unless they are part of a “comprehensive and long-term vision” encompassing larger base of athletes.
“After hosting the Afro-Asian Games in 2003 at Hyderabad, the World Military Games are to be held this year (2007) at Hyderabad. The Commonwealth Youth Games will be held next year (2008) at Pune, which will be followed by the Commonwealth Games in 2010 at Delhi.
Formula One
“There is talk of India making another bid for the Asian Games and seeking to host the Olympics. And the President of the Indian Olympic Association has floated the idea of Formula One motor racing on 700 hectares in the vicinity of the capital.
“However, the economic, social and cultural benefits of hosting mega sporting events have to be weighed against the huge costs involved and needs to be clearly evaluated in the specific context of each country,” the draft said.
“While the hosting of such mega events undoubtedly gives a boost to the image of the country in the sporting world and makes the promotion of sporting excellence an important agenda, these can be reduced to very short-term benefits unless they are part of a well-formulated and comprehensive long-term vision which aims at Sports for All and includes among the highest of our national priorities the development of a National Sports Culture,” it added.
“Moreover, the nation must win more medals in many more sports disciplines, ending the six-fold gap between India and China which arose at the recent Doha Asian Games,” the sports policy draft said.
IOA reaction
Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association has criticised the sports policy draft, saying it was aimed at “infringing” on the autonomy of national sports federations.
IOA General Secretary Randhir Singh said they were upset that the Sports Ministry did not consult them before putting out the draft on the website on Thursday.
“Some things we should not talk publicly, but discuss confidentially. We have to work together as one family, as Team India, and help in making world champions. Otherwise, it is bad for our international image,” Singh told PTI.
Singh objected to the draft envisaging bringing sports on the concurrent list from the State list and constituting a Sports Regulatory Authority.
“These politicians come here after working in Ministries like coal, steel or petroleum, which has no relation to sports. But every one comes with a sports policy in their hands.”