Rupesh Samant

Panaji, Feb 1: Union minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday ruled that the Sports Federations who have entered into disputes have their matters pending before various courts including the Supreme Court.

Rijiju said that it is not the courts but the sports federations that should run the sports administration.

The minister was addressing the function held to unveil the mascot for the upcoming ‘National Games’ which would be held in Goa in October-November this year.

Union AYUSH minister Shripad Naik, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Indian Olympics Association Chairman Narinder Batra were also present on the occasion.

Reiterating the aim to be one of the ten topmost countries for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Rijiju said that Sports Federations across India should start putting efforts for the same.

“I have asked all the sports federations of India, that by 2028, Los Angeles Olympics, India must be in the top ten of the countries. That is why we have put all the efforts to ensure that India will not be satisfied with one or two medals. We are aiming for the top ten countries in the world,” he said.

The minister said that sports federations must be pro-active.

“I have sent a message to all the sports federations of India, not only the national federations, the federations in the state,” he said.

Rijiju said that it is unfortunate that most of the sports federation related issues are in the court.

“I have clearly stated it is not the courts in India, whether Supreme Court or High Court, they are not there to run the sports federation,” he commented. “It is sports federations that should run the sports administration but because of the differences and various issues, the matters are going to the court, which is not good for Indian sports."

The minister emphasized that there should be fair play in the selection.

“The selection should be on merit and not on favouritism. There should be transparency in the selection process.

“There should be no discrimination in the selection of athletes. Sports and sportsmen are our priority.

The official mascot for the National Games 'Rubigula, Flame-Throated Bulbul’ was unveiled during the function.

Two time Olympic Gold Medalist Sushil Kumar Singh and World Champion in Athletics Anju Bobby George were present during the launching of the mascot for the games.

Goa will host the 36th edition of the National Games from October 20 to November 4. The event will see participation by 36 states and union territories with 12,000 athletes and officials arriving to play 37 sport disciplines across 24 venues in Goa.