Context :The Supreme Court’s recent comments on the politicisation of sports administration and its critique of former judges and bureaucrats controlling sports bodies have drawn significant attention to the governance issues affecting Indian sports.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance )
Court’s Disapproval of Politicisation
- Negative Impact of Politicisation: The Supreme Court has strongly decried the increasing politicisation of sports administration in India. Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh noted that the continued control by former judges and bureaucrats over sports bodies does not benefit the sporting community.
- Need for Democratic Values: Justice Kant emphasized that democratic values should be restored in the administration of sports. This suggests that sports governance must be more transparent, accountable, and representative of the athletes’ needs rather than being influenced by political interests.
Concerns Over Lack of Genuine Sports Administration
- Call for Sports Professionals: The Court made a critical observation that office-bearers of sports associations should ideally be individuals with a genuine background in sports. This would ensure that those in charge have a deeper understanding of the athletes’ needs and the functioning of the sports itself.
- Impact on Governance: The Court’s statement reflects a growing concern that sports governance should not be run as a political or bureaucratic tool but rather by individuals who are genuinely invested in the development and welfare of the sport and its players.
The Kabaddi Dispute: AKFI and IKF
- Petition for Women’s Kabaddi Team Participation: The case at hand involves a petition filed by two national kabaddi players, Priyanka and Pooja, seeking intervention from the Court to ensure that the women’s kabaddi team could participate in the Senior Asian Kabaddi Championship in Iran from February 20 to 25. The Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the body recognized by the Sports Ministry, had lost its affiliation with the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF), jeopardizing the team’s participation.
- Concerns Over AKFI’s Affiliation: The petitioners pointed out that the AKFI’s affiliation with the IKF was in jeopardy, putting the team’s chances at gold in the championship at risk. This was further compounded by accusations of mismanagement and alleged manipulations of rules by officials of the international body, including Janardhan Singh Gehlot.
- Veteran Kabaddi Players’ Allegations: Three veteran kabaddi players, in a parallel move, questioned the ban imposed on AKFI by IKF. They alleged that the international body was being mismanaged by former officials and manipulated for personal gain. Their contention was that the governance structure of both the AKFI and IKF was flawed and that democratic reforms were necessary.
Court’s Remarks on Governance in Sports Bodies
- Intolerance of Corruption and Mismanagement: Justice Kant took a firm stance against individuals or entities operating in a corrupt or undemocratic manner within sports associations. He stated, “People who think they can sit somewhere in Kuala Lumpur or Dubai and operate like a mafia are sadly mistaken.” This reflects the Court’s determination to curb the influence of those who misuse their positions for personal or political benefit.
- Constitutional Reform of AKFI: The Court called for the reformation of the AKFI’s constitution to align it with the National Sports Code of India 2011, which mandates democratic elections and transparency in sports governance. This could have far-reaching consequences in terms of how sports bodies are governed in India.
Diplomatic and Legal Action
- Exploration of Diplomatic Channels: The Court directed Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta to explore diplomatic channels to resolve the issue of sports associations’ recognition, particularly with the AKFI. This shows the Court’s recognition that resolving these conflicts requires international cooperation, especially in federations like the IKF.
- CBI and Interpol Involvement: The Court asked Mr. Mehta to consult the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding a potential probe into the affairs of sports federations. This move could be a significant step in tackling corruption and mismanagement within sports bodies. The involvement of agencies like Interpol suggests a more global approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in sports governance.
Broader Implications
- Reforming Sports Governance: The Court’s intervention signals a strong push for reforming sports governance in India. By calling for democratic processes and transparency in sports bodies, the Court is highlighting the need for systemic changes to improve the management of sports and to ensure that athletes have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
- Impact on International Sports Federations: The case also underscores the challenges in the international governance of sports, where internal politics and conflicts between national and international bodies can negatively impact athletes’ careers. The Court’s call for a constitutional overhaul of the AKFI and the potential involvement of agencies like the CBI also suggests a larger examination of how sports federations function in India and internationally.
- Athletes’ Rights and Opportunities: By directly addressing the issue of women’s kabaddi team participation, the Court has also highlighted the importance of upholding athletes’ rights to participate in international competitions. The legal intervention is pivotal in ensuring that athletes are not denied opportunities due to bureaucratic and political mismanagement.
