Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that selection for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games should be transparent and as per the laid guidelines of government
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday told the National Sports Federations (NSFs) that selection for the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games should be “fair and transparent,” and there should not be any complaint from the athletes. The minister said this while addressing the National Sports Federation Conclave in New Delhi.
“The Minister told the NSFs that selection should be fair and transparent and follow the guidelines issued by the MYAS. If there are complaints from the athletes, then the selection will not be approved,” an NSF official who attended the conclave told sportsbackstory.com.
Selection criteria
The Sports Ministry announced detailed selection criteria that need to be followed for participation of individuals and teams in the Asian Games and other multi-sport events, with a view to laying down a transparent and equitable framework aimed at ensuring that only athletes who have a real chance of winning medals are considered for participation. The selection criteria were drawn up for both measurable and non-measurable events. All selection trials also need to be recorded.
Conclave
The conclave brought together representatives from 37 National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to deliberate on India’s future sporting roadmap and preparations for major international events, including the Commonwealth Games 2026, Asian Games 2026, and Summer Olympics 2028.
IOA president PT Usha, Secretary (Sports) Hari Ranjan Rao, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse were also present.
To curb doping
Discussions were also held on several other important issues, including ways to curb doping. There was a presentation on anti-doping, and the Sports Ministry said it was drawing up legislation to enact criminal provisions for those found involved in administering prohibited substances to athletes or involved in trafficking prohibited substances.
“The government intends to bring criminal provisions to curb doping. Suggestions were also sought from NSFs to fight the menace,” said another NSF official who was present.
Eradicating doping
In a media statement, the Union Sports Minister said the government is committed to “eradicating doping from the Indian sports ecosystem through awareness, education and stricter legal measures.”
“Eradicating doping from the Indian sports ecosystem requires collective responsibility and strict action,” Mandaviya said, and urged federations, coaches, and support staff to actively contribute towards building a clean and transparent sporting culture in the country.
National Sports Governance
During the conclave, the National Sports Governance Act 2025 Rules and Reform Guidelines Handbook was formally released by Mandaviya. He emphasised the need to strengthen India’s sporting structure through greater accountability, transparent athlete selection processes, and sustained institutional support for federations, according to an official statement from the Sports Ministry.
India’s sporting ecosystem
Stressing that governance within federations must remain athlete-centric, he called for greater transparency, timely elections, accountability, and stronger institutional mechanisms to ensure athlete welfare remains at the centre of India’s sporting ecosystem.
EOM
