Clarification on Team India's Commonwealth Games Media Guidelines

Understanding the Media Advisory for Commonwealth Games

The ongoing debate regarding the media advisory for Team India at the Commonwealth Games has taken a new direction. A senior source from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has clarified that athletes were not directed to exclusively commend the Government of India or the IOA during media interactions. The document, which was reviewed by Sports Now, does not include any directive for athletes to solely acknowledge these entities. Instead, it outlines protocols for social and digital media, along with communication guidelines designed to protect the commercial, broadcast, and intellectual property rights associated with the Commonwealth Games.

In an exclusive statement to Sports Now, the IOA source emphasized, "There is no advisory mandating athletes to praise the Government of India or the IOA. That interpretation is incorrect. The guidelines aim to ensure respectful and professional communication with the media while safeguarding the Commonwealth Games' rights." The source further explained that athletes are encouraged to discuss their performances, the team, the Government of India, the IOA, and their overall experiences at the Commonwealth Games, rather than being instructed to focus on any specific organization.

The media guidelines for athletes clearly state that they are allowed to take photographs at the Commonwealth Games, both in accredited areas and outside, using their mobile phones, as long as they adhere to the guidelines. These images can be shared on their personal social media accounts. Additionally, athletes may post audio and video recordings from competition venues, training areas, hotels, and other locations, provided they follow the established protocols.

When engaging with the media, athletes are advised to maintain politeness, respect, and professionalism. If they feel uncomfortable with any question, they have the option to decline to comment. The guidelines encourage athletes to discuss their performance, the team, the Government of India, the IOA, and their experiences at the Commonwealth Games while using their personal social media responsibly.

The overarching document primarily focuses on social and digital media guidelines, including restrictions on promoting personal sponsors, commercial brands, NGOs, or other third parties, while also protecting confidential information and intellectual property. The IOA source reiterated that there is no protocol instructing athletes to exclusively highlight the Government of India or the IOA.

With Sports Now now having access to the advisory, it seems to reinforce the clarification that its main objective is to regulate media and social media behavior during the Commonwealth Games, rather than dictate whom athletes should praise. The Commonwealth Games are set to commence in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 23, featuring 126 Indian athletes competing in 10 disciplines across 113 medal events. The event will be broadcast live on various platforms in India, including the Sony Sports Network and Doordarshan, as well as streamed on the Sony LIV app and website.