Hyderabad: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Vijay Goel hinted at an overhaul of National Sports Development Code even as he refused to comment on the Apex court’s directive to BCCI to remove Anurag Thakur and Ajay Shirke from their posts as president and secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
When asked about SC’s judgement on strict implementation of Lodha Commmittee recommendations in constitution and conduct of BCCI, Mr. Goel said: “Sports Ministry is not an intermediary between Supreme Court, BCCI and Anurag Thakur. We have little to do with the judgement but the Government’s interests lie in improvement of sports in India.”
The Ministry has been holding talks with several stakeholders to maintain transparency and cleanliness in sports. “We have held deliberations with sports federations, sport ministry, Olympians, Arjuna Award winners and Dronacharya award winners regarding the changes that Sports Code might need for better performance of bodies and players. I have also asked the Sports Secretary to submit recommendations on how the National Sports Code could be improved,” he said. A report on the subject will be submitted in a week’s time, he said. The Minister, who was in the city to attend the 35th All India Police Equestrian Championship, however, brushed away queries on governmental control of BCCI and other sports bodies. He was also mum about BCCI reconstitution. of the BCCI.
