No free rides for officials and family members of athletes

Wary of controversy, the Sports ministry will not allow family members of any athlete to travel with the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games and will also put a stop to officials “fun rides”.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has forwarded a list of 222 athletes and 106 officials, including 57 coaches, 19 managers and 41 others, for the Gold Coast event to be held from 4-15 April.

Sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is yet to clear the list and it is learnt that ministry is reviewing the lost of 41 other officials.

“Ministry will take a decision on the contingent in a couple of days but we have been instructed to strictly review the number of officials while keeping the focus on players. The officials who won’t be able to stay in the Games village or enter the sporting arena. Why should we spend government money on them,” a source in the ministry told PTI Bhasha.

The athletes are getting USD 1500 from the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and rest of the expenses like travel etc are being borne by the Sports ministry .

“We are examining the others category which include 41 officials and it is likely to be reduced by half. There have been complaints that officials go on free fun rides but it wont happen this time. We will try to ensure that the player - official ratio is maintained,” said the official .

“Government is paying for airfare and allowances hence we have to make sure that there should be no misuse of money. Our focus is on players and we are expecting the bestever performance by them in this CWG .” said the official.

“Why should family members of the athlete, no matter how big star the player is, will go on government expenses as mentor or manager. If they want them, they can take on their own expenses and I am sure they can afford this,” said the official.