The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step towards ensuring better utilization of government funds for the development of sports in India. The court has appointed Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and former hockey player MM Somaya to a committee that will oversee the disbursement of funds to sports federations for selecting teams to represent India in the upcoming Asian Games.
The court has ordered the committee to ensure that the money is spent solely on sportspersons and their training, including travel expenses, coaching fees, equipment procurement, and physiotherapy services. It has also made it clear that government funds should not be allocated for office bearers of sports federations who are not concerned with the sportspersons.
The court passed this order while modifying its earlier ruling of June 3, 2022, in which it had directed the Centre not to provide money or assistance to those national sports federations (NSFs) that were not functioning in compliance with the laws concerning the administration of sports in the country.
This latest order is part of a petition by senior advocate Rahul Mehra, who has challenged the government’s decision to renew the recognition of several sports federations that allegedly were not in compliance with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
The committee that oversees the disbursement of funds to sports federations currently comprises the secretary of the Department of Sports, director general of the Sports Authority of India, and the joint secretary of the Department of Sports. With the inclusion of Bindra and Somaya, the committee will have five members and will ensure the proper utilization of government funds.
This move by the Delhi High Court is a welcome step towards improving the state of sports in India. The country has produced many talented sportspersons, but they often lack adequate resources and facilities to compete at the highest levels. The appointment of Bindra and Somaya, two accomplished sportspersons, to the committee is expected to ensure that government funds are utilized for the betterment of sports in India.
The high court has listed the matter for further hearing on May 30, and it is expected that more steps will be taken in the future to ensure better utilization of government funds for sports in India.