The National Sports Code has been a tricky issue for successive governments for a long time but the Sports Ministry is confident of finally getting it cleared in the near future.
Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who has been proactive in trying to settle long-pending administrative issues in Indian sports, has insisted that his only interest was developing and promoting the country’s sports and sportspersons and that he would continue to push for the adoption of the National Sports Governance Bill 2024 at the earliest.
“I have to do what is right and good for Indian sports, my responsibility is towards the country’s sports and sportspersons,” he made it clear during an interaction on Thursday. The minister reiterated that he would do everything possible to convince everyone and get the Bill passed soon.
He also expressed confidence that India would be getting hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games despite Canada and Nigeria throwing their hats into the ring at the last minute. The 2030 CWG will be a preparatory event towards the real big event the government hopes to organise — the 2036 Olympics. “Everyone is welcome to express their interest but we are confident of getting it,” Mandaviya said.
If successful, it will be the first big-ticket multi-discipline event in India since the controversy-marred 2010 edition and a big step towards strengthening India’s claims for 2036. A decision on the same is expected to be made over the next 18 months by the IOC under the newly-elected president Kirsty Coventry.
Mandaviya also announced youth initiatives by the ministry to further social participation and the Fit India movement, including a week-long visit with cultural and sporting activities in May at border villages under the Viksit Vibrant Village Campaign by volunteers selected through My Bharat portal applications.
The MYAS will also organise padyatras across all state and UT capitals on April 13 and cleanliness drives in every district around BR Ambedkar’s statues the next day to mark his birth anniversary. The ministry is also actively considering encouraging chip-based cycles to monitor and award carbon credits to encourage cycling for fitness.
Published – April 10, 2025 06:24 pm IST