Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context
- India has made an ambitious pitch to host the 2036 Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) highlighted the counter-concerns over governance issues and rising doping violations in India.
- With Brisbane already awarded the 2032 Games, the 2036 edition remains open.
Major Challenges for India
- Governance Crisis in IOA: Tussle between President of IOA P.T. Usha and the IOA Executive Council.
- Issues: Sponsorship deals, financial mismanagement allegations, CEO appointment (Raghuram Iyer).
- This tussle, which has been going on for close to two years, has overshadowed the country’s preparations for multi-disciplinary Games.
- Doping Scandal: According to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) annual report for the year 2023 – India had the highest positivity rate for banned substances among major sporting nations.
- Last year, a separate WADA study revealed that India was second only to Russia as the country with the most number of positive doping cases among minors.
- Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU): Ranked India 2nd in doping offences in track & field (after Kenya) as of May 2025.
- Sporting Performance: The Paris Olympics ended with India securing six medals — one silver and five bronze — to place 71st in the medals tally.
- It was ranked below nations with much smaller populations including Georgia, Kazakhstan and North Korea.
- The United States, with less than a quarter of India’s population, topped the charts with 126 medals followed by China with 91.
| Anti Doping Agency in India – The primary organization responsible for anti-doping efforts in India is the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). 1. NADA was established in 2005 under the Societies Registration Act to promote, coordinate, and monitor the doping control program in sports in India. 2. NADA operates under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. – Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Medical Commission: The IOA Medical Commission is an advisory body whose purpose is to provide advice to the IOA Executive and office on matters related to the health and wellbeing of athletes, and the medical services to be provided to the national team participating in the Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. – National Anti-Doping Act, 2022: It is the first standalone anti-doping law in India. 1. It ensures compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code. 2. Grants powers for search, seizure, and disciplinary action. 3. Provides an appeal mechanism (National Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel & Appeal Panel). 4. Enables education and research initiatives on doping. – India is a signatory to the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sport. |
Initiatives Taken by Government
- Khelo India: To promote sports at the grassroots level. It includes talent identification, coaching, sports infrastructure development, and organizing competitions at school and university levels.
- National Sports Policy: To enhance the quality of sports training, promote participation, and increase the number of athletes competing internationally.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI): A key institution responsible for nurturing young talent and providing training facilities.
- National Sports Awards: The awards are given annually to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons (PDUNWFS): It was set up in 1982 with a view to assisting outstanding Sportspersons of yesteryear.
- National Sports Development Fund: The Fund helps sportspersons excel by providing them opportunities to train under coaches of international repute.
- It also provides financial assistance for development of infrastructure and other activities for promotion of sports.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): To identify and support athletes with potential to win medals at the Olympic Games.
- It provides financial assistance for training, coaching, and participation in international competitions.
- Mission Olympic Cell (MOC): A body within the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to monitor and provide support for athletes’ training and preparation for the Olympics under the TOPS.
- National Sports Federations (NSFs): The government recognizes and funds NSFs, which are responsible for promoting and developing their respective sports.
Measures that can be taken
- Funding: Increase investment in sports facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Introduce anti-doping curriculum in sports education.
- Identification of Talent: Implement sports programs in schools to identify and nurture talent from a young age.
- Encouragement to other sports: Promote a wider variety of sports beyond cricket, such as athletics, swimming, and indigenous sports.
- Leagues and Competitions: Establish professional leagues and competitions in lesser-known sports to boost participation and viewership.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Encourage partnerships between private companies and sports organizations to provide financial backing.
- Role Models: Highlight successful athletes to inspire youngsters to pursue sports.
Conclusion
- While India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics is being taken seriously, its credibility hinges on urgent internal reforms.
- Success of the bid depends on transparent governance, clean sports, and enhanced athletic performance.
Source: IE
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