Union sports minister Vijay Goel, on Tuesday, downplayed Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi's assertion in Supreme Court that government was mulling a sports legislation granting greater autonomy to sports bodies.
Speaking exclusively to THE WEEK, Goel said, "The ministry has set up a committee to recommend suggestions based on recent developments in sports governance. We will strengthen the code by reviewing the recommendations for greater accountability and good governance. As soon as the committee submits its report, we will come out with it."
It must be noted that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not a signatory to the national sports code and is only deemed as recognised by the sports ministry.
While the union government has swung into strong defence of the BCCI in its fight against implementation of Lodha committee reforms, Goel maintained that the sports ministry had no intention of getting involved in it. "We are not party to the BCCI matter. Other national sports federations are already in compliance with the sports code. This matter is between BCCI and the SC. We look to function as patrons and not engage in any fights with the sports federations."
The sports ministry under Goel had taken a tough stand on sports federations violating the code. Recently, it took a very strong stand against Indian Olympic Association's bid to name tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala as life presidents.
It also refused to recognise All India Tennis Association after it refused to elect a new president in place of Anil Khanna, who was regarded ineligible as per the existing sports code.