Sports Ministry issues new instructions to NSFs for conduct of events

NEW DELHI: In the wake of poor management of National Para Athletics championships, the Sports Ministry has instructed all the National Sports Federations (NSFs) to draw the calendar of their events well in advance for the smooth and efficient hosting of the tournaments.

"The primary responsibility for organising the events rests with the NSFs. It is incumbent upon them to take all measures for smooth conduct of the championships with a vision to empower the athletes to reach their optimum potential," a Sports Ministry release stated.

As per the existing guidelines of the government, it is mandatory for all NSFs to conduct national championships every year for senior, junior and sub-junior categories.

Some NSFs also conduct zonal championships and international tournaments in India.

But from time to time the Ministry has been receiving complaints from various quarters regarding the basic minimum facilities not being provided to sportspersons during the various championships/tournaments conducted by NSFs.

As a result the Ministry has decided to issues certain guidelines on the conduct of various tournaments.

"All NSFs are directed to adopt a few measures for organising tournaments, as the responsibility lies with the NSFs for their organisation, supervision and conduct in every aspect," said the release.

As per the new guidelines issued by the Ministry, there are a number of measures that are needed to be followed by all the NSFs.

The guideline says that the tournaments/championships should be held in such stadia, indoor halls, which are easily accessible to the athletes. In case, the event is for differently-abled athletes, the facilities should be disabled-friendly and all the basic facilities should be available for sportspersons.

The representatives of all the NSFs should reach the venue of championship at least two days before the event to ensure that all the facilities are in place.