Mandaviya: Asian Games Are Serious Competitions, Not Exposure Trips
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has declared that major international multi-sport events like the Asian Games cannot be treated as exposure competitions. Speaking to reporters on World Sports Journalists Day, Mandaviya emphasized that the government will never prevent Indian athletes from participating in foreign exposure trips, but the Asian Games demand performance, not mere participation.
Discouraging Early Exits and Job-Seeking
Mandaviya highlighted a past trend where many athletes participated in the Asian Games, exited in the first round, and later sought government jobs. “We have to discourage this practice,” he said on Thursday. He stressed that while athletes are encouraged to gain exposure through other foreign competitions, the Asian Games are a serious affair where performance matters.
The minister noted that he has used his discretionary powers to fund athletes’ expenses for foreign exposure trips, ensuring they do not suffer. “They can get exposure in other events but not at the Asian Games. It is a serious affair where performance matters,” he added.
Fair Selection Process for Commonwealth and Asian Games
Mandaviya stated that the selection processes for both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games are being conducted fairly. If any case of bias is identified, the government will support the affected athlete. This statement comes in the wake of public grievances from table tennis star Manika Batra and equestrian athlete Anush Aggarwala, who were not selected for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting September 19.
While Batra chose not to take her case to court, Aggarwala is pursuing legal action in the Delhi High Court. Aggarwala objected to the Equestrian Federation of India’s calculation of minimum eligibility requirements (MERs), alleging biased interpretation of selection criteria in the absence of trials. A single bench dismissed his petition, and he has now approached a double bench to challenge the order.
Transparency Through In-Camera Recordings
The minister highlighted that selection processes have become more transparent due to the insistence on in-camera recordings during trials. “It has been made clear to all federations that selections have to be held in camera and I am happy to inform you that there have been far less complaints about selection matters. If at all we see a biased selection then we will help the athlete,” he informed.
Mandaviya’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to merit-based selection and performance-driven participation in major events like the Asian Games, while still supporting athletes’ development through other exposure opportunities.
