Ministry steps in to bail out athletes, NSFS

NEW DELHI: The country’s top athletes often complain of tiring international flights, and it has to do with faulty planning.

Last month, the shooters were in for an ordeal as immediately after the World Championships in Spain they had to head to Incheon for the Asian Games, and faulty travel plans ensured they arrived at the venue almost on the day of competition.

Respite is in store as the sports ministry has notified national sports federations (NSFS) that they are not bound to purchase air tickets from the government-authorised agent, but have the option of buying cheap tickets from the open market.

“On a given day, the cheapest available ticket should be purchased. It could either be through the government agency or a private one,” a ministry official told HT.

The decision will not only benefit athletes but the federations as well in the form of savings under the scheme of assistance to NSFS.

Currently, after purchasing costly air tickets issued by Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, federations are left with less funds for the development of sport. “With more options, we hope athletes will be able to conserve their energy for competition,” said the ministry official. MAKING IT SIMPLE

To make things simpler, the ministry has also made provisions to give funds in advance as federations often claim they don’t have the budget to purchase tickets for big contingents.

“We will be providing 75 per cent of the money in advance and the remaining 25 per cent when the necessary accounts are furnished by federations,” said the official.

The ministry has also written to the civil aviation department to allow top athletes to purchase tickets from international airlines other than Air India.

The proposal, however, is yet to get the nod of the civil aviation department.

Federations have also been directed to finalise teams for international tours in advance so that they have the option of purchasing cheap tickets.

The move has been welcomed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) as they are coordinating with Air India and the Star Alliance.

“It will benefit the shooters as we are working for the best possible deal,” said Raninder Singh, president, NRAI.

However, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was cautious in its approach.

“Since we have big contingents, even 25 per cent would be a big amount for us,” said an AFI official.