Ajay Maken assumes charge as Sports Minister

New Delhi, January 20, 2011: Ajay Maken assumed charge as Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports here on Thursday.

He was welcomed by the senior officers of the ministry. Immediately after assuming charge, Maken had a detailed meeting with the sports secretary and discussed various issues concerning the department.

Speaking out his priorities while briefing the media, Maken said that his efforts would be to study, in detail, all important issues concerning the ministry in the coming days.

Giving the details of his meeting with sports secretary, he said that he had emphasized the need for drafting a proper strategy for 2012 London Olympics with an objective for increasing medal tally with proper back-up of training exposure with active support of the Government.

On the issue concerning National Sports Federations and their management, Maken said that his efforts would be to carry forward the initiatives of his predecessor, Dr. MS Gill, for enhancing transparency and good governance by adopting non-confrontational approach.

In the interest of sports, he said ideally sportsperson who have played the game at certain level and young persons should be given charge for managing of sports since he trusts that they will have “passion” to improve the sport.

He also disclosed that appropriate directions have been given for drafting a policy at the earliest for better utilization of sports infrastructure created for Commonwealth Games.

On the issue concerning pending payments for work done in Commonwealth Games, Maken asked sports secretary to issue directions to the Government officers working in the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games to clear within 10 days all the legitimate payments, after through verification.

Concerning Department of Youth Affairs, Maken stressed the need for an “out-of-box” thinking for introducing new schemes and programmes with an objective to increase the participation of youth.

Born on 12 January, 1964, Maken was earlier Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He was Minister of Urban Development in the UPA-I Government. He was also Cabinet Minister of Transport, Power and Tourism.

Source: PIB, Government of India

Govt says no to order an inquiry into wrestlers doping

New Delhi, December 10, 2009: The Government has no proposal to order an inquiry in the circumstances leading to the failure of our wrestlers in doping tests. There is well laid down procedure under the National anti-Doping code to handle dope positive cases.

These are first looked at by the disciplinary panel and in the event of the disciplinary panel confirming the result, the affected athlete can appeal before the Appellate Panel. The decision of the Appellate Panel is final. On first violation of the anti-doping code, the defaulting athlete is liable for a two years ban and any subsequent offence attracts life ban.

Wrestlers who have tested positive are bound by the penalty imposed by the competent authority. The international federation has not imposed any general ban on the participation of Indian Wrestlers in the Commonwealth Games 2010.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Varinder Singh Bajwa.

Press release from Union Youth Affiars and Sports Ministry
Through Press Information Bureau, Government of India.

Giving a boost to rural sports through PYKKA

New Delhi, December 10, 2009: Government of India introduced a centrally sponsored scheme entitled ‘Panchayat Yuva Krida Khel Abhyan’, in 2008-09, for creation of basic sports infrastructure in all village and block panchayats and for conducing sports competitions at blocks, districts, states and national level of the country.

The XIth Five Year Plan outlay for this scheme is Rs.1500 crore. The scheme envisages to cover around 2.50 lakh village panchayats and 6,400 block panchayats (including their equivalent units) in a phased manner over a period of 10 years at an annual coverage of 10% (and the coverage will be 20% in the case of special category states including North Eastern States).

The scheme is implemented through the state governments / UTs administrations. An amount of Rs. 25.98 crore was, so far, sanctioned / released to Government of Andhra Pradesh during 2008-09 and 2009-10 for creating basic sports infrastructure in 2190 village panchayats and 113 block panchayats there. Further, for conducting competitions in 296 blocks and 22 districts and for state level competition during 2009-10, admissible grant to the State is Rs.3.55 crore against which Rs. 0.95 crore has already been released.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Mohd. Ali Khan.

Press release from Union Youth Affiars and Sports Ministry
Through Press Information Bureau, Government of India.

First North East Youth Festival begins at Kohima

New Delhi, October 8, 2009:
Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio declared the first North East Youth Festival open in a glittering ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium at Kohima today. Thundering applause from thousands of audience, firing of the traditional gun, colorful balloons flying high in the cloudy sky, smiling of the early morning sun in between, traditional music all added a festive look to the stadium.

About 1300 youth from all over the country including all the north eastern states are participating in the 3 day North East Youth Festival being organized jointly by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of India and the Nagaland Government. Majority of the participants are active volunteers of the NYKS and NSS, two field organizations of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.

In his inaugural speech, the CM of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio remarked that success at the regional or national level is no longer excellence. He called upon the youth from all over the country to strive to be the best globally, to reach out for international recognition to bring laurels to our people and glory to the country.

Youth and Creativity is the theme selected aptly for the first ever North East youth festival being organized in Kohima. Rio mentioned that the theme is most appropriate for the present time and age as in the past 2 years, the entire world has undergone a time of crisis and economic melt-down.

“The global recession has put forward several questions, many of which are yet to find complete answer. But, there is one definite answer that is bound to be accepted in every walk of life and that is creativity. Companies, governments, entrepreneurs etc. are all looking for creativity and this new creativity will have to emerge from the imagination and the courage of the youth,” he said.
He urged upon the youth to follow the time honoured mantra of 3Ds i.e., Dedication, Discipline and Determination for success.

B M Lanong, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, also addressed the youth and wished the very best.

The inauguration of the festival was followed by cultural performances which included traditional Nagas indigenous sports viz, Naga wrestling, taekwondo displayed by students and other tribal dances. The three-day festival will witness a number of competitive events like rock band contest, one act play, folk dance, folk music classical dance competitions etc. for which elaborate arrangements have been made. Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangatan has also set up an exhibition displaying various arts and crafts from various parts of the country in the Yuva Kriti. A Convention has also been organized for the NSS students and eminent personalities will address and share their experiences with the students.

The closing ceremony to be held on October 10, will be graced by Ms. Agatha Sangma, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development.

Source: Press release from Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

President gives away Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards

New Delhi, August 29, 2009:
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away sports and adventure awards in a glittering ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan here today. Several Union Ministers including Dr. M.S. Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, P.P Patil , Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, the Chief Ministers of Haryana, Manipur, several States Sports Ministers and eminent sports persons attended function.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year as a special case was conferred upon three sportspersons, M.C.Marykom for her outstanding in women boxing, Vijender and Sushil Kumar for winning bronze medals in Beijing Olympics, 2008.The award carries a medal, citation and enhanced cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh each.

Ishar Singh Deol (athletics) and Satbir Singh Dahya (wrestling) were conferred Dhyan Chand Awards for the year 2009, for their contribution to sports by their performance and efforts to promote the sports. The award carries a statuettes, citations and cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each.

The President also gave away Dronacharya Awards for this year to Pullela Gopichand (badminton), Jaydev Bisht (boxing), S. Baldev Singh (hockey) and Satpal (wrestling), in recognition of their meritorious achievements in the field of coaching. The award carries a statuettes, citations and enhanced cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each.

Mangal Singh Champia (archery), Sinimole Paulose (athletics), Saina Nehwal (badminton), Laishram Sarita Devi (boxing), Tania Sachdev (chess), Gautam Gambhir (cricket), Ignace Tirkey (hockey; men), Surinder Kaur (hockey; women), Pankaj Navanath Shirsat (kabaddi), Satish Joshi (rwing), Ronjan Sodhi (sooting), Poulomi Ghatak (table tennis), Yogeshwar Dutt (wrestling), Girdhari Lal Yadav (yachting) and Parul D. Parmar (badminton (disabled) were conferred Arjuna Awards for the year 2009, in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the respective field of sports. The Award carries a statuettes, citations and enhanced cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each.

With a view to recognizing the contribution made to sports development by entities other than sportspersons and coaches, the Government has instituted this year, a new award entitled Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, which has four categories, namely, community sports development, promotion of sports academies of excellence, support to elite sportspersons and employment to sportspersons. Tata Steel Ltd. was conferred upon this Award for the year 2009, under two categories of Community Sports Identification and Nurturing of Budding Young Talent and for Establishment and Management of Sports Academies of Excellence.

Mamata Banerjee received the award on behalf of Railways Sports Promotion Board under the category for Employment of Sportspersons and sports welfare measures. The Award carries a trophy and citation.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA) for the year 2007-08 has been awarded to Punjabi University, Patiala. The winner receives a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh and Rolling Trophy along with a small replica of the MAKA Trophy for retention by the University.

The President also conferred Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards for the year 2008 to recognize the contribution and performance of the awardees in the field of adventure sports. Major HPS Ahluwalia was given Life Time Achievement Award. Sqn. Ldr Ramakant for Air Adventure, Chaitanya Datla for Water Adventure and Bachinapally Shekhar Babu for Land Adventure were also awarded. The award carries enhanced cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and Bronze Statuette along with a citation.

Source: Press release from Union Ministry of Sports

Gill happy with the construction work of Commonwealth Games 2010 stadia

New Delhi, August 24, 2009:
Dr. M.S. Gill, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports on Monday visited Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Dr. Shyma Prasad Mukherjee Aquatics Complex and Talkatora Indoor Stadium, being built for hockey, swimming and boxing events for the Commonwealth Games, 2010 respectively.

Dr. Gill had a comprehensive review of the construction progress of the stadia with the officials of the CPWD, Sports Authority of India, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and representatives of Organising Committee. The officers made presentations to the Minister, and briefed him about the progress made as on date of various tasks being undertaken.

While talking to the media persons after visiting the sites, Dr. Gill said “every human efforts are being put in to deliver the sporting facilities well before the time”. Regarding Swimming Complex (Dr. Shyma Prasad Mukherjee Aquatics Complex), Dr. Gill said that it would be ready well before the time for holding the test events in April. This project has a very complex engineering design and execution of this is being undertaken with the advice of the international consultants.

While complimenting the engineers and the workers forbuilding such complex engineering facilities, Dr Gill emphasised the need to take adequate safety precautions while execution of this complex engineering project.

On the construction progress of the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium for hockey events, Dr. Gill said that he is impressed with the progress and plenty of work has been completed. He said that the CPWD officials have assured him that the stadium in all respects will be completed by the end of the year. About the Talkatora Indoor Stadium for Boxing events, the NDMC officials briefed the Minister regarding various facilities coming up in the stadium and assured him that the stadium will be completed by the 1st week of November this year.

Source: Press release from Union Sports Ministry

Union Sports Minister Gill urges states to avail maximum assistance under PYKKA

New Delhi, August 3, 2009
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr M. S. Gill on Monday called upon the states to avail themselves of maximum assistance under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) and provide the higher budgetary support to sport in their respective state budgets.

The Minister was addressing the Conference of the State Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports held here today. Dr Gill highlighted the recent initiatives taken by the Government of India to recognise and reward excellence in sport and provide assistance to states for the promotion of Sports for All. Pratik Prakashbapu Patil, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports was also attended the conference.

On the larger issue of central assistance for urban sports infrastructure, Dr. Gill assured the states that he would take up the matter of introducing a centrally sponsored scheme for urban sports infrastructure with both the Planning Commission and the Finance Ministry. He assured early action with regard to expansion of NYKS to remaining 122 districts.

Dr Gill expressed confidence that with the joint effort of the Centre and states, India could take full advantage of the huge dividend it enjoys on account of its large and growing youth population, which can be productively used not only for sports development but also for national development through participation of youth in the national building process.

Appreciating the State Ministers for their active participation in the conference, Dr Gill acknowledged the valuable inputs provided by them. He assured the States that their suggestions with regard to allowing greater flexibility in implementing PYKKA scheme would receive serious consideration and the existing provisions/guidelines will be modified to that extent. With regard to deployment of SAI coaches to states, he stated that their request would be considered favourably.

In the Conference, the issues on the sport side that were discussed includes PYKKA; discharge of committed liabilities under the erstwhile sports infrastructure schemes; setting up of an institutional mechanism for playing fields; Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) activities at the national, state and district level; and the newly introduced scheme to promote sports and games among disabled. The main issues discuss on the youth side included expansion of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) to remaining 122 districts, formulation of a new scheme for creating voluntary National Youth Corps and expansion of Youth Hostels.

During the discussion, the State Ministers expressed overwhelming support for the newly introduced scheme of PYKKA and informed about the progress made in the implementation of scheme in their respective State. Several useful suggestions were made on PYKKA, which included flexibility in choosing Pancahayat level Implementing Agency (PLIA), composition of state, district and block level committees, financial assistance towards travel costs in connection with participation in sports competitions under the scheme, grant of financial assistance to meet the administrative expenses on the implementation of the scheme, flexibility in the number of disciplines to be covered at block and district level competitions, higher level coverage in respect of North-Eastern and Hilly States, higher level of funding in hilly areas, financial assistance for training of Kridashrees, enhancement in the honorarium to Kridashrees. A few states cited the non-availability of open space in rural areas as a major constraint in the implementation of the scheme.

All the States unanimously supported the initiative of setting up the National Playing field Association of India and assured of similar action at the state level. A large number of States also conveyed their intent to protect playing fields through appropriate legislation, if required.

With regard to SAI activities, all the States demanded higher deployment of SAI coaches, opening of more SAI centres and access of SAI centre to local population.

While appreciating the positive action taken by Government of India with regard to discharge of committed liabilities in respect of sports infrastructure projects sanctioned under the erstwhile Sports Infrastructure Scheme, the States unanimously demanded the restoration and introduction of Sports Infrastructure Schemes to help States develop urban sports infrastructure, to provide the urban youth with the access to playing facilities and organised competitions.

All the States supported the initiative taken with regard to scheme of introduction to promoted sports and games among disabled.

On the Youth side, all the States were unanimous in their demand for early expansion of NYKS to the remaining 122 districts. The States expressed their willingness to make available officers on deputation to run these centres, if required. Most states also express the need of greater number of youth hostels.

The States gave positive feedback on the concept note circulated with regard to formation of National Youth Corps and also assured to submit their inputs for taking the proposal forward.
Source: Press release from Ministry Youth Affairs & Sports

Arun Yadav assumes charge as Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports

New Delhi, June 1, 2009
Arun Yadav assumed charge as Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, here on Monday. In his interaction with the media persons, after assuming the charge Yadav stated that his top priority would be to complete the constructions of all stadia for the Commonwealth Games well before the time. He said he along with Dr. M.S. Gill will review the progress of construction of stadia and other infrastructure projects with a view to know the current status of the projects.

Earlier, Dr. M.S. Gill, Sports Minister welcomed Yadav in his chamber. Later on, the Sports Secretary, Secretary, Youth Affairs and senior officers received the Minister and presented him the bouquet of flowers.

Born on January 15, 1974, Yadav graduated in Commerce from Indore. He was first time elected to the 14th Lok Sabha from Khargone Parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh. In the 15th Lok Sabha, he has been re-elected second time as a Congress Candidate from Khandwa Parliamentary constituency in Madhya Pradesh.

Source: A PIB press release

Dr MS Gill takes over as Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports

New Delhi, May 29, 2009
Dr. M.S. Gill took over as Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, here on Friday. He was also Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Youth Affairs and Sports in the previous Union Government.

Immediately after taking over as Sports Minister, Dr. Gill said, “In the last one year several initiatives have been taken and will continue to do the work with same excitement.” Regarding preparations of Commonwealth Games, he said “Whatever bottlenecks were there in construction of stadia by Sports Authority of India ( SAI), those have been removed and am confident that all timelines will be met. The systems are in place, coordination committee meets regularly and discuss and takes all decisions unanimously.”

Speaking about his other priorities, Dr Gill said “there is great potential in the Youth Programmes like Nehru Yuvak Kendra and National Social Service Scheme.” The minister intended to expand it further on larger scale. Regarding appalling financial conditions of sportspersons, Dr Gill said that although he had doubled the pension of them last year but would try to enhance it to a decent level.

Earlier, on his arrival at the ministry in the Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Gill was received by the senior officials of the Ministry. Later, the Secretary, Youth Affairs, Sports Secretary and senior officers called on him and discussed important issues relating to the Ministry.

Source: Press release from Minsitry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Only Indian citizen can avail Government assistance to represent India in sports

New Delhi, December 26, 2008
The Union Government decided on Friday the players who are Indian citizens only can avail themselves of government assistance to represent the country in the national teams. This will also be applicable in the consideration of proposals for the participation of national teams in international sports events.

The issue of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) representing the Country in international sports events has been a subject matter of debate in some of the National Sports Federations (NSFs), and in the absence of a uniform national policy on the matter, different federations have been following different rules in this regard.

Recently, the decision of the Squash Racket Federation of India (SRFI) to restrict the representation of the Country to only those players who hold the citizenship of India, has been challenged by affected players and the Delhi High Court has directed the Government to formulate a uniform policy on the matter in the best interest of sports in the Country.

Pursuant to the above direction of the Delhi High Court, the Government had consulted the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all recognized NSFs and sought their comments on the following issues:
a) Whether a person who is not a citizen of India should be allowed to carry the flag of India or walk under it and represent the country in any national / international sports events.
b) Whether the local talent should be given overriding preference in terms of talent scouting, nurturing and training with the ultimate objective of promoting and developing local talent to international standards.
c) Whether it is appropriate that slots available to represent India may be taken up by non-citizens depriving citizens the opportunity to learn and develop from competitions.

The majority favoured restricting the representation of India in international sports events to players who are citizens of India. Some federations have not offered any comments on the matter and have indicated that they would adhere to the policy laid down by the Government in this regard.

Based on the responses received from the federations, the entire matter had been carefully examined in Government and after taking into account all relevant considerations, the Government took the decision to provide assistance only to those players who have Indian citizenship. The IOA and all the recognized NSFs have been advised accordingly.

Source: PIB release