Ministry sets stricter norms for qualifying

The hockey team, for instance, is ranked ninth and even though it has qualified for the Olympics, it won’t be eligible according to the new norms.

The sports ministry on Tuesday released the selection criteria for the teams and sports persons in order to be eligible to represent the country for international competitions, including the Olympics.

According to the guidelines, in individual events, the athletes will have to record a performance equal to sixth place in an international tournament in the 12 months leading up to an event like the Asiad, Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

For team events, only those squads which have achieved a ranking up to eighth, among participating nations, will be considered for participation.

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The criteria are likely to attract severe criticism as it will render most athletes ineligible. The hockey team, for instance, is ranked ninth and even though it has qualified for the Olympics, it won’t be eligible according to the new norms.

Similar instances can be found in badminton, athletics, boxing and shooting, among other sports.

However, a ministry official said the norms will be relaxed for the Olympics. “Olympics has quota places and strict qualifying criteria. So we won’t impose these guidelines for the Games. It is more for the events like CWG or Asian Games, where we have had athletes approaching courts to participate in those events just for the sake of it. Olympic participation won’t be affected,” the official said.

However, the official statement of the ministry brings the Olympics under the purview of the new selection criteria.

Top clauses relaxed

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The country’s elite athletes will be able to continue getting support from the external agencies after the sports ministry decided to relax some of the contentious clauses that threatened to derail their Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

After a meeting with a few athletes on Monday, the ministry informed them on Tuesday that they can continue their association with private players but will be required to prominently wear ‘TOPS’ clothing and accessories during training and public appearances.

“We have informed the athletes today (Tuesday) that they can continue getting support from their existing backers and the government will chip in as and when necessary. We have only requested them to give credit to ministry funding in their endorsements and appearances,” a ministry source said.

“Many athletes have already agreed to the structure of the new contracts and some who are currently competing are expected to give their consent soon.”