Unfit Athletes Were Sent to Rio, Finds Sports Authority
The Sports Authority of India on Friday submitted its report to the Sports Ministry, alleging that unfit athletes were sent to the Rio Olympics.
Highlights
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SAI said unfit players were sent to Rio Olympics
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The report said that the performance of foreign coaches was worrying
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The sports ministry has begun a probe into India's show at Rio Games
Unfit athletes were sent for the Rio Olympics, the Sports Authority of India or SAI has said in a report to the sports ministry, also drawing attention to the performance of foreign coaches hired to train India's top sportspersons.
SAI has conducted a review of India's performance at the Rio Olympics last month, where it sent 118 athletes and brought back only two medals, a badminton silver won by PV Sindhu and a bronze won by wrestler Sakshi Malik.
Sources said the report, submitted on Friday, recommends that foreign coaches be hired very carefully and after stringent evaluation. It has also emphasised that national-level coaching camps should be outcome specific and not done in a routine manner. It may be better to hold camps in a staggered manner, instead of organising it continuously throughout the year.
Soon after the Games, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up a task force to prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure the "effective participation" in next three Olympics.
The PM's Office also asked the Sports ministry to submit a detailed report into India's dismal show at the Rio Olympics, lifted only by the heart-winning performances of Sindhu, Sakshi and gymnast Dipa Karmakar who came in a close fourth.
The ministry said on Thursday that it has begun an extensive investigation. "Sports Minister Vijay Goel has decided to conduct within the Ministry a thorough review of India's performance in Rio Olympics, 2016. The process has already begun," it said in a press release.
It said Mr Goel has written written individual letters to each of the athletes who participated in the Rio Olympics, 2016, seeking their feedback and suggestions. "He has stated that they should feel free to give him their suggestions or feedback anytime either personally or through mail," the ministry said.