'We are certainly not helpless in the tenure issue'

Published>Tue, May 18 10 12:08 PM

Sports Minister M.S. Gill replied to India Today's questions about the tenure controversy over e-mail.

Q. The timing of the tenure issue is contentious. Was it to score points against Kalmadi? Or did the court forced your hand?

A. In 2009, the Delhi High Court in the matter of Indian Hockey declared that the guidelines for recognition of NSFs are valid, binding, enforceable, and the tenure clause is not in violation of the IOC charter.

Another PIL, before the Chief Justice Bench of the Court, pursuing the tenure clause regulation, directed the presentation of the ministry's files on May 5, and an affidavit of action taken. We examined the matter and the IOC regulations on tenure and issued the order dated May 1. We obeyed the high court, as we must, those seeking relief should go to them. I work closely with everyone in the Commonwealth Games.

Q. Aren't you worried about an Olympic suspension for India?

A. People should understand that Randhir Singh is the independent IOC observer from India. He is also Secretary General, IOA, for more than 23 years. He has a clear conflict of interest in promoting the desire for unlimited tenure for NSF/IOA office bearers. He went to the IOC without any consultation with the ministry officials, which in fairness he is bound to do, and obtained a letter from the Director, PRO. He has now sent the letter to us, and we are taking it up with the IOC at the highest level. An officer will be sent to Lausanne for detailed discussions.

Q. What happens if your guidelines are not adhered to?</

A. The future is not ours to see, but I can assure you that we are not helpless.

Q. There is a consensus against politicians running sports. Should bureaucrats be involved?

A. I am presently concerned with only the regulations issued on September 20, 1975. In the April 22 Rajya Sabha debate all sections of the House wanted me to bring forward a comprehensive law, for the governance of sports. Such (as there is) a law for the US, (Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act), was made in 1978, and amended in 1998. There are similar laws in France, Germany, Australia and Malaysia which was made, just before the Commonwealth Games in that country. These are thoughts for the future.

Q. Given its terrible track record, surely the Sports Authority of India (SAI), under your ministry's control needs to be dismantled? A. SAI certainly has flaws. I have tried to make improvements, and will continue to strive for a more efficient, productive organisation.

Q. Is your own position and tenure as sports minister not weaker with this controversy?

A. There are individuals in sports federations from a number of parties, they may be united in their desire, for an unlimited tenure, which exists nowhere in the world. The debate in the Rajya Sabha, which is a matter of record, and the current issue, have demonstrated support from all MPs, and all parties for capping the tenure of sports officials to a reasonable level. My support lies in the perceptions of parliamentarians, the people and the press, (and I want to) to improve management and performance in sports.

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Ponting goes in to bat for embattled Clarke

Published Tue, May 18 10 11:48 AM

Australia test skipper Ricky Ponting has praised Michael Clarke's Twenty20 captaincy despite the player's own assessment that his position in the team was in doubt after poor form with the bat in the Caribbean.

Clarke led Australia to the final at the World Cup, but finished the tournament with a high score of 27 and the lowest average of Australia's specialist batsmen.

"He's had a bit of exposure now, a few one-day games that I haven't been a part of and obviously a lot of the Twenty20 games in the last 12 or 18 months that he's stepped in and captained he's done a terrific job," Ponting, who retired from the shorter format last year in a bid to prolong his career, told reporters.

"Every time that I've seen Michael in a leadership role he's done exceptionally well. So, really good signs there for the future of Australian cricket going forward."

Clarke is regarded as Ponting's successor in one-day internationals and test cricket, and told reporters that he expected selectors to "have a look" at his captaincy and place in the team after Australia's loss to arch rivals England.

Ponting will lead Australia when they attempt to wrest back the Ashes from England at home at the end of the year and is hoping the team can arrange test matches against India before that series to get more practice in the longer format.

Top-ranked India had suggested sacrificing some one-day internationals in favour of tests as part of a mooted tour in October.

Australia have reacted positively to the offer, knowing they only have two tests arranged against Pakistan in July before their five-test series against England kicks off in November.

"It looks like that tour of India now might be broken up into a few one-dayers and a couple of test matches," Ponting said.

"Ideally for us it would be great if the test matches were played second in India before we get back to Australia for the start of the Ashes but we'll wait and see how that itinerary works itself out."

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Somdev gets easy opener in French Open qualifiers

Published Tue, May 18 10 11:10 AM

Paris, May 18 (PTI) Somdev Devvarman has been seeded sixth in the French Open qualifying event and has got an easy opener against Jiri Vanek of Czech Republic. Somdev is placed 111 places above 32-year old Vanek in the ATP ranking charts and it will be first meeting between the two players. US based Indian Prakash Amritraj is also trying his luck and will open his campaign against 17th seed Brazilian Joao Souza. Last year, Somdev had stumbled at the final hurdle at the clay court Grand Slam. Somdev had cleared the first two rounds at the Australian Open qualifiers in January this year but defeat in the decisive third round had put paid to his qualification hopes. PTI AT

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