Top News

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya , has categorically stated that the selection process for athletes in the country should be fair and ensure no injustice is done to any athlete. He made these remarks during his presidential address at the National Sports Federation (NSF) Conclave 2026 on Friday.

Review of sports administration and preparations for major events

The conclave focused on strengthening sports governance, promoting athlete welfare, and reviewing India’s preparations for upcoming major international sporting events. Detailed presentations were made on the National Sports Federations’ compliance status under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, good governance in sports institutions, and NSFs’ preparations for the Asian Games 2026, the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, and the Commonwealth Games 2030.

The interest and welfare of athletes is the highest priority

Dr. Mandaviya stated that the interests and well-being of athletes must be a top priority for every stakeholder in the sports ecosystem. He added that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that no athlete is treated unfairly.

Open selection trials should be recorded on camera

The Union Minister stated that the selection process must be conducted in a fair and accountable manner. He suggested that open selection trials be recorded on camera in the presence of an observer. He clarified that fairness in the selection process must not be compromised in any way.

Emphasis on providing more competitive opportunities to players throughout the year

Mandaviya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the need to retain athletes on the playing field and develop a strong league culture in the country. He said each National Sports Federation should work towards providing more competitive opportunities for athletes throughout the year.

Action against doping needs to be taken across the entire chain

The Union Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate doping from Indian sports. He said the government is working on necessary changes to make the anti-doping ecosystem more effective.

Doping will not stop just by cracking down on athletes.

Mandaviya said that taking action against athletes alone is not enough to combat the menace of doping. He said that the entire supply chain of doping, including producers, suppliers, and users, must be identified and addressed through a fair and robust system. Only then can doping be effectively eliminated from sports.

Emphasis on strengthening the Indian coaching ecosystem

He also stressed the need to develop a strong domestic coaching ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign coaches. He said the country needs to develop a strong pool of quality Indian coaches.

Coaches need to be given international exposure

The Sports Minister said that along with training athletes, equal investment should be made in training Indian coaches. They should be provided with better opportunities and international experience. He said that only well-trained coaches can produce world-class athletes for the country.

Emphasis on preparations for upcoming international events

Mandaviya reiterated the Modi government’s commitment to work closely with the National Sports Federations to strengthen sports governance standards, ensure compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and improve India’s preparations for the Asian Games 2026, Los Angeles Olympics 2028, and Commonwealth Games 2030.

Representatives of the Sports Ministry and NSF were present.

The programme was attended by Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, senior officials of the ministry, representatives of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Sports Federations (NSFs).