IOA criticises ministry

The Indian Olympic Association criticised the Sports Ministry for loosing sight of 2012 London Olympics and concentrating more on bringing in the “draconian” National Sports Development Legislation to mar the autonomy of National Sports Federations.

“The shift of attention from Olympic preparation to passing the Sports Legislation will only jeopardise India’s preparations,” IOA’s acting president Vijay Malhotra said in a release. “Both Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India are more busy in getting the support for their draconian legislation by threatening to withdraw all financial support if the National Sports Federations do not succumb to their pressure,” Malhotra added.

“Indian hockey team’s lackadaisical preparation,players outburst for not having any proper facilities,not even support staff,has already attracted severe criticism in the media.

“The shooters have to face the new order to get license for their Air Gun and Air Pistol,thanks to the Sports Ministry,which remained a silent spectator instead of coming forward to the rescue of the shooting fraternity and pleading for the cause of sports,” Malhotra said.

“Similar is the fate of Archery training camp at SAI eastern centre in Kolkata where every single day another scandal surfaces.”