Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has called for greater transparency in athlete selection, athlete-centric governance and institutional reforms in the country’s sports ecosystem. Addressing the National Sports Federation Conclave 2026 in New Delhi today, Dr. Mandaviya said, the interests and welfare of athletes must remain the foremost priority for all stakeholders. He stressed that no athlete should ever face injustice.
The Minister called for complete transparency in selection trials, saying open trials should be recorded on camera in the presence of observers to ensure fairness and accountability.
On doping, Dr. Mandaviya called for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the menace from Indian sports. He said, action should not be limited to athletes and that the entire chain, including manufacturers, suppliers, facilitators and users, must be dealt with through a transparent and robust mechanism.
The Minister also stressed the need to strengthen India’s indigenous coaching ecosystem and reduce overdependence on foreign coaches. The conclave reviewed the compliance of National Sports Federations with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, good governance practices and India’s preparedness for the Asian Games 2026, Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and Commonwealth Games 2030.
