The Parliamentary Standing Committee on sports has declared the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as “critically” under-funded and under-staffed, noting that India’s international performances are “far from satisfactory.” Concerns have also been raised about the lack of proper fund utilisation in the government’s flagship Khelo India Scheme. The Committee, led by Congress’ Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh, emphasised that SAI’s financial health is vital for the country’s international medal performance. It urged the Sports Ministry to increase funding and focus on sports where India is likely to win more medals. The Committee advised identifying specific sports where India has the best chance of winning medals and focusing resources on nurturing talents in these areas to reach international standards. Including cricketer and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh, and BJP’s Sambit Patra and Bansuri Swaraj, the Committee expressed serious concern over the shortage of staff and low funding of SAI. It highlighted that about 45% of sanctioned posts in SAI are vacant, managed through temporary appointments, which is not a permanent solution. The lack of coaching and scientific staff significantly undermines athlete training and their chances of winning medals. The panel listened to the views of the Sports Secretary and SAI representatives in its meeting on JuneWhile appreciating the recruitment drive to fill vacancies, it asked the sports ministry to complete the process within six months and provide an Action Taken Report. The panel appreciated the sports ministry’s efforts but stated that India’s achievements in major international sports events like the Olympics are unsatisfactory. Despite an improved medal tally, India, with a population of about 1.4 billion, did not win a single gold medal in the last Olympics in 2024 and most of the previous Olympics. The Committee noted some gaps or deficiencies at the policy level but appreciated the ministry’s and corporate contributions to developing the country’s sports ecosystem, showing positive results recently. Concerns were also raised about fund allocation for the Khelo India Scheme. During the last two financial years, funds allocated to the scheme were diverted to National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) of SAI, denying Rs 38.79 crores to the Khelo India Scheme. Additionally, Rs 122.30 crores of allocated funds were returned to the Consolidated Fund of India, indicating poor estimation, planning, and implementation. The Committee recommended integrating the Khelo India Scheme into SAI’s operational structure after its current term ends on March 31, 2026. It suggested creating dedicated staff positions within SAI for the scheme’s functions and proposed that the Sports Department’s budget be maintained while SAI takes over Khelo India’s responsibilities, including fund disbursal to other government agencies. The ministry acknowledged that Rs 19.50 crores allocated for play-field development under Khelo India Scheme remained unspent due to a lack of proposals from eligible entities. The Committee recommended consulting eligible entities to understand their lack of enthusiasm and address their concerns. It also requested an Action Taken Report on this matter. (With PTI Inputs)