Lok Sabha discussion on Olympics: Hooda brings up wrestlers’ protests

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who had earlier held charge of the sports ministry, intervened to say that members should avoid raising “federation fights” in the House.

The minister said there is bound to be politics in sports federations and such issues should not be raised in Parliament. Rijiju said no other government has done what PM Narendra Modi has done for sports.

The short discussion on ‘India’s preparedness for the upcoming Olympic games’ was included through a supplementary agenda.
When Speaker Om Birla asked the House to take up the discussion, RSP’s N K Premchandran questioned the timing and asked what suggestions could the House offer when the Indian team has already left for the Olympics beginning July 26. He alleged that the government is taking the House for granted, noting that supplementary agenda is issued to bring important legislative items.

The discussion was started by BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal, who said the opposition finds the discussion on sports irrelevant. He said the government has invested over Rs 400 crore for 16 disciplines and is making all-out efforts to ensure athletes get the best training and facilities. Based on the demand of players, the government is also hiring the best available coaches from across the world since 2014, he said.

Taking part in the discussion, Azad Samaj Party MP Chandrashekhar Aazaad said: “I would like to ask the government what steps have been taken to increase participation from rural areas, and of SC/ST aspirants. How much amount has been allocated for this?… also, how many athletes will be from different categories…”