Ministry acts tough on age frauds, issues guidelines to federations

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday cited some of the measures it had taken up this year, including efforts to prevent age frauds, strengthening of anti-doping mechanism and increasing accountability of national federations.

In a press release, the ministry detailed the expenses and measures taken by the government to bring transparency in the functioning of sport federations and curb doping. The government sanctioned a budget of Rs. 1620 crore and appointed officials in various capacities in the Commonwealth Games organising committee to improve management and financial administration.

However, the most important actions came after the ministry took note of several cases of age fraud with specific guidelines being drafted and issued to National Sports Federations (NSFs).

The NSFs are now required to issue identity cards to national athletes, draw a clear policy with regard to submission of documents in support of age proof and medical procedure for verification in case of doubt and appeal procedures.

Action has also been undertaken to collect and maintain the data and documents with regard to legal, financial, management and operational status of NSFs.

The government also announced pocket allowance of $25 per athlete per day participating in any major international events aboard. Till now, the government was providing allowance only to participants in major multi-disciplinary events.

A comprehensive action plan has prepared to increase the annual sample testing capacity of NADA from the existing 2000 to 5000 in 2010 to meet the demands of the Commonwealth Games. The plan includes upgradation of technology, recruitment of manpower, availability of foreign experts and setting up of new test methods as per WADA guidelines.