Task Force Unveils Major Reforms Needed in India's Sports Administration
Introduction to the Task Force Findings
A Task Force led by Abhinav Bindra, established by the Sports Ministry, has uncovered significant "systemic deficits" within India's sports governance. The report highlights critical issues such as the absence of a professional governance framework and the inadequacy of athletes for administrative positions. To address these challenges, the panel has suggested the formation of an independent statutory body aimed at training a specialized cadre for sports administration, which would also encompass IAS and state officers.
Report Submission and Implementation
The comprehensive 170-page report has been presented to Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who assured that all recommendations will be put into action.
Proposed National Council for Sports Education
To address the existing deficiencies among the Sports Authority of India (SAI), National Sports Federations (NSFs), and state sports departments, the Task Force has proposed the establishment of a National Council for Sports Education and Capacity Building (NCSECB) under the Ministry. This body would oversee the regulation, accreditation, and certification of sports administration training programs.
Challenges in Sports Administration
The Task Force, which was formed in August, includes notable sports administrators like Adille Sumariwala and former CEO of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, Cdr. Rajesh Rajagopalan. The panel emphasized the lack of a dedicated professional cadre for sports administrators and criticized the outdated training opportunities that fail to focus on essential competencies or ongoing professional development.
Transition Issues for Former Athletes
The report also highlighted that many former athletes face difficulties transitioning into governance roles due to insufficient administrative, leadership, and management skills. Bindra noted that the report serves both as a diagnostic tool and a guide for necessary changes, identifying the structural and systemic gaps that hinder effective sports governance.
Critique of SAI and State Departments
The Sports Authority of India and state sports departments, deemed the backbone of the country's sports administration, received harsh criticism. The Task Force found that both entities suffer from significant systemic and capacity challenges that impede professionalism and effective governance.
Coordination and Accountability Issues
The report pointed out that these gaps weaken policy implementation and stakeholder engagement, limiting India's potential to create a modern, athlete-focused sports ecosystem. It noted that neither SAI nor state departments have a dedicated sports administration service, often relying on generalist civil servants or contractual staff without sector-specific expertise, leading to inconsistent decision-making and a lack of long-term professionalization.
Athlete Representation and Governance Preparation
While the forthcoming National Sports Governance Act mandates athlete representation in NSF executive committees, the Task Force observed a lack of systems to prepare athletes for such roles. The report indicated that India lacks a structured Dual Athlete Career Pathway integrated with the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, resulting in most athletes retiring without the necessary governance and leadership skills.
Concerns Over NSFs Governance
The report identified the over-centralization of power within NSFs as a significant governance issue. It noted that many federation presidents wield excessive control over operations and finances, contrasting with global best practices that advocate for a clear separation of governance and execution.
Recommendations for Civil Service Integration
The Task Force also emphasized the importance of integrating sports governance training into civil service education. It recommended that IAS and state cadre officers participate in structured sports governance modules during both their initial training and advanced stages, recognizing their crucial role in policy implementation.