Indian sports administrators have been warned against treating multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games as “paid holidays”, with officials now facing the prospect of being sent back home mid-tournament if they are found to be neglecting their duties.
Sources told PTI that the sports ministry has taken a strict stand ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, making it clear that officials who do not support athletes or are seen as “vacationers” during the events will be immediately withdrawn from the contingent.
“The ministry has said that we will have no hesitation in recalling those who are not doing their job of supporting sportspersons and are caught on leave. Anyone loitering aimlessly will be recalled immediately,” a top official of the National Sports Federation (NSF) told PTI on condition of anonymity.
The Ministry believes that it closely monitors not only the performances of the athletes, but also the contribution of administrators and support staff traveling with the contingent.
“The ministry is of the view that every accreditation is crucial and should only go to those who can add value to the athlete’s performance,” the official added.
Indian sports administrators often come under fire for not being available to athletes during major events, despite making up a significant portion of India’s traveling contingent. Officials are expected to oversee the logistics, training schedules, coordination and well-being of athletes during multi-discipline competitions.
The warning comes months after sports minister Hari Ranjan Rao issued a stern message to NSF officials during a January conclave in Ahmedabad.
“Please don’t come if you consider it a trip with relatives. We don’t need you,” Rao said.
The Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games is expected to be smaller this year as the Glasgow edition will feature only 10 events. In contrast, for the Asian Games in Japan, India is expected to send a contingent of over 700 athletes and officials across 41 disciplines.
The ministry’s latest directive signals a tougher approach to accountability within Indian sports governance, especially at a time when the country is heavily investing in athlete training and international performances.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
08 May 2026 21:51 IST
