The cost of Indian athletes' participation at CWG creates debate
The cost of sending Indian athletes to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games has sparked a war of words. On one hand, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has called out the sports federations to become self-sufficient. But Indian Olympics Association's President, Narinder Batra doesn't think it is feasible. He said except cricket, no other sports can function without government's support.
What did Sports Minister say?
Speaking at a press conference Rathore said, "The biggest sponsor of Indian sports till now has been the government of India and we will continue to do so. All the federations should work towards making themselves financially independent and generate revenue of their own."
IOA President Narinder Batra contradicts Rathore
Contradicting Sports Minister, Indian Olympics Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra said that except for cricket, no other sports body can function without the grants from government. He made the statements amid reports that IOA is set to send the Indian contingent to CWG without any financial support from Sports Ministry. Batra cleared the air in saying that the sports body needs the grants.
"Take advantage of corporate sponsorship"
Rathore also said that the sports federations and the IOA should take advantage of the recent interests shown by corporate sector to invest in sports. For 2018 CWG, Asian Games and 2020 Olympics, Edelweiss Financial Services is on board as the sponsor of Indian contingent.
Fact of the matter
Neither the Indian Sports Ministry nor the IOA, per se, fund the Indian athletes' trip to the CWG games. CWG organisers pay the IOA, the cost of the tickets for athletes and accompanying officials. While the Sports Ministry would originally do the booking, IOA would return this amount to the ministry once CWG pays them.
Indian contingent at CWG
India will be represented by 227 athletes at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, set to take place from 4-15 April, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.
