India’s ambitious plan to host the 2036 Olympics requires a seamless administrative system, but the country’s National Sports Federations (NSFs) are often entangled in power struggles and rivalry, resulting in court cases that negatively impact athletes. Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse states the ministry is prioritising accountability without compromising the autonomy of administrators to ensure better coordination. “There should not be politics and athletes should be the focus, their growth should be priority. The federations should have their autonomy but there should also be greater harmony between NSFs and the ministry,” Khadse told news agency PTI. “It is very important to achieve this given that we are aiming to host the 2036 Olympics. It would require a cohesive approach. The ministry, NSFs and the IOA cannot pull in different directions, their goal has to align,” she added. The ministry and the IOA have had differing views on the subject of autonomy. IOA President PT Usha has expressed concern that plans for a regulatory body to oversee NSF functioning, as proposed by the draft sports bill, would undermine the IOA and be seen as government interference by the IOC. “Mansukh bhai has spoken to all NSFs and tried to understand their difficulties and issues. We are also working towards reducing litigation so that administration does not suffer. Our aim is to ensure that athletes get the best. The ministry is guiding the NSFs on this goal and they are responding positively to it.” Another pressing issue in Indian sports is the persistent problem of doping. The country remains high on the global list of doping offenders and has struggled to address the issue despite increased awareness. Khadse mentioned that while she supports penal action against those who encourage doping among minors, criminalising it is not advisable. “Agreed that those doing it at the elite level are probably aware of the various aspects of doping, but those who are at a much junior level or have not reached the elite level are not as aware. They buy things without realising the consequences or on the advice of coaches,” she noted. “The recently amended National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 already empowers the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) with legal authority and investigative powers similar to law enforcement bodies. “We want to start Compulsory Anti-Doping Education for athletes, coaches, and parents as well as randomised testing at State and Junior Levels. Those who facilitate drugs or doping to minors should be penalised under a strict law,” she said. With PTI Inputs