The article begins with the examination of a troubling recent occurrence in India’s sports governance, specifically allegations of sexual harassment against the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) by female wrestlers. This event, which is currently being investigated by the Supreme Court (SC), brings the broader questions of sports governance and related issues to the forefront.
The Supreme Court’s Observation
In response to these serious allegations, the SC has opted to examine petitions filed by the wrestlers regarding the non-registration of the First Information Report (FIR). The SC, acknowledging their duty to protect the fundamental rights outlined in Article 32 of the Constitution, has listed the case for further hearing.
Sports Governance in India – Current Model
India’s current model of sports governance is divided into two primary wings. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), which oversees the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other institutions promoting sports training, holds the reins of the first wing. The second wing is led by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which oversees State Olympic Associations (SOAs) and both national and state Sports Federations (NSFs and SFs).
Regulations for Good Governance in Sports
To help regulate good governance in sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports rolled out the Sports Code 2011. This set of regulations aims to uphold ‘basic universal principles of good governance, ethics and fair play’. It also puts restrictions on the age and tenure of federation office-bearers, as well as envisaging transparent functioning and free, fair elections.
Issues Related to Sports Governance in India
There are several significant issues impacting sports governance in India. These include unclear rights and responsibilities, a lack of transparency and accountability, irregular revenue management, non-professionalisation of sporting bodies, lacking infrastructure, and issues related to sexual harassment.
Addressing the Issues Related to Sports Governance
Resolving these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, including empowering athletes, enhancing the autonomy of sports federations, implementing bottom-up reforms, fostering sports awareness from a young age, and providing greater representation for women in sports governance.
Empowering athletes can bring a much-needed level of accountability and transparency to sporting bodies. Athlete representation at all levels of sports governance should be ensured via effective mechanisms.
The autonomy of sports federations is crucial to addressing the challenges related to sports governance. It allows these organizations to act independently, reducing the likelihood of corruption and nepotism.
Bottom-up reforms starting at the grassroots level can help build accountability and transparency into the sports governance structure at all levels. Such an approach involves reconstituting district and state bodies that feed into national sports governance.
Creating a culture of sports awareness, starting at the primary education level, can have a transformative impact on children’s lives and potentially lead to careers in sports.
Encouraging greater representation of women in sports governance positions is also crucial to ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Evaluation Question
Previous Year Question – Civil Services Examination (PYQ Prelims):
Consider the following statements with respect to the Laureus World Sports Award instituted in 2000:
1. American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
2. The award has been received predominantly by ‘Formula One’ players.
3. Roger Federer received this award a maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
The first Laureus World Sports Award was presented to American golfer Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer has received this award a maximum number of times. The statement that the award was mostly received by ‘Formula One’ players is incorrect as Men’s Football Team players have received it the most.