Ministry sets August 13 deadline for NSFs to respond to questionnaire on Sports Code

The National Sports Federations (NSFs) acquired a two day extension from the Sports Ministry until August 13 to submit a set of Sports Code questionnaire pertaining to age and tenure after a request from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The responses to the Sports Code questionnaire is essential for all NSFs as a case is pending within the Delhi High Court, whose subsequent date of listening to is on August 21.

The ministry acceded to IOA’s request after its president Narinder Batra and secretary basic Rajeev Mehta held a gathering with Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and Sports Secretary Ravi Mittal on Tuesday.

“We had a very positive meeting with Hon’ble Union Sports Minister and Secretary Sports today on 11th August, 2020. A detailed discussion took place on preparations for Olympics, sports code and all other issues concerning the NSFs were discussed,” IOA chief Batra and secretary basic Mehta mentioned in a joint assertion.

“The Case in Delhi High Court is fixed for 21st August, 2020 and the information requested by MoYAS can now be given by 13th August. “In case you have already submitted the required information and feel that you do not need to share anything more/additional, then you can simply inform the concerned in ministry that the required information has already been provided on ××× date.”

The ministry had earlier requested the 57 National Sports Federations (NSFs), which had their provisional recognition withdrawn on the directions of the HC for violation of the National Sports Code’s age and tenure tips, to answer to the questionnaire by August 11.

The IOA, nonetheless, demanded four-week time, stating that the NSFs are working with depleted workers as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

The IOA prime officers mentioned the Sports Minister has agreed to carry additional discussions on the matter with a delegation from the Olympic physique in future.

“On the request of President & Secretary General (IOA) the Hon’ble Union Sports Minister agreed to meet with an IOA delegation comprising of 10 to 12 members to take the discussions forward,” the assertion mentioned.

“Once again the discussions were discussed in a very positive atmosphere and full support will be provided for preparation for Olympics and running of all sporting activity.”

The scenario arose after the Delhi High Court had turned down the petition moved by the Sports Ministry searching for modification of its February 7 order which had barred the Centre and the IOA from taking any resolution relating to the NSFs with out informing it.

On June 24, the High Court had directed the ministry to revoke the provisional recognition it had granted to the NSFs on May 11, which the federal government complied with.