Image : Representational Purpose Only
Mindful of the international scrutiny that India is facing as an aspiring Olympic host, the Sports Ministry has asked SAI to draw up a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to avoid the kind of slip-ups that marred the recent India Open of badminton in New Delhi.
As reported by PTI, Bird poop on the field of play, monkey in spectators’ stand and unhygienic conditions in training facilities and public utilities were among the issues that damaged the tournament’s image.
SAI (Sports Authority of India) is responsible for the upkeep of five stadia in the national capital, including the Indira Gandhi Stadium that hosted the India Open.
“As much as we would like the National Sports Federations to have the freedom to conduct events but the fact is when something goes wrong, it is always the sports ministry which becomes answerable in public eye. So, it is only fair that the ministry is involved at the planning stage itself,” a well-placed source said.
“So, an SOP will be formulated to ensure that every event being held in India is planned properly with zero scope of athlete discomfort, especially for international participants. Ministry will keep a tab through this mechanism,” he added.
International players like Danish shuttler Mia Blichfeldt spoke openly about the discomfort at India Open and also demanded better facilities at the world championships, scheduled to be held at the same venue in August.
