Sushil wants supervisory panels for NSFs
Supervisory committees similar to the one headed by Justice R.M. Lodha, appointed by the Supreme Court to manage BCCI’s affairs, are required for greater accountability and transparency in functioning of national sports federations, ace wrestler Sushil Kumar has said.
“I don’t mind if we have a Lodha panel for all NSFs. It will only help increase accountability and transparency of associations. Coaches need to be accountable. We are in need of qualified coaches,” Sushil said at a sports conclave organised by the Railways Sports Promotion Board on Tuesday.
RSPB secretary Rekha Yadav, who has represented the institutional unit in BCCI meetings, agreed that the BCCI’s governance system was impressive.
“Much maligned as the BCCI is, one has to admit that they have put in a nice system in place,” Yadav said during a panel discussion.
India won three medals at the 2008 Olympics and doubled its tally in 2012 but two-time Olympic medallist Kumar said the country couldn’t capitalise on the ascendancy gained after Abhinav Bindra won India’s first individual gold medal in Beijing.
Kumar clinched bronze in the 2008 Games.
“I think we couldn’t cash in on our performance in Beijing Olympics. Although we got six medals in London, we didn’t improve as a sporting nation. The planning and preparation left a lot to be desired.”
Five-time world champion M.C. Mary Kom spoke about lack of qualified support staff (coaches and trainers) that has been the bane of Indian sport.
“I remember once we had a boxing coach.
“After a few days, I made some enquiries about his credentials and found out that he has got his NIS degree in basketball or football. And that man later got Dronacharya award also,” Mary Kom said.
“We have seen doctors who would give you tablets to cure headache if you have a heel injury. There have been times when I haven’t had a masseur.”
Gymnast Dipa Karmakar’s coach Bisweswar Nandi praised the Sports Authority of India for its efforts.
“For the last four years, we have not had any national championships because there are two associations claiming to represent Gymnastics Federation of India. Who is responsible for this? Thanks to SAI that we still get proper training facilities,” said Nandi.
The Dronacharya awardee also spoke about lack of fact-checking while appointing foreign coaches.
“We have this fascination for foreign coaches. A few years back, an American coach was roped in.
“He had some degrees having passed theoretical exams but no practical knowledge.”
Former national team football captain Bhaichung Bhutia said franchise-based private leagues are welcome but questions remain about their contribution to development of sport at the grassroot level.