‘No Excuse’: Government To Roll Out Mandatory Fitness Tests For Athletes Ahead Of Major International Events
Image of representation.© AFP
In a major policy change to improve performance and responsibility, the government plans to implement compulsory fitness tests for all athletes before being authorized to represent India during major international tournaments, including Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games. The proposed measure intervenes in the wake of repeated cases where athletes, after omitting to provide expected results during high challenges competitions, cited a lack of full form for the reason for their poor performance. This has raised concerns within the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs on the selection process and the overall preparation of athletes sent to global platforms.
According to sources familiar with the issue, the government has taken a serious note from the problem and formulates a framework that would make a fitness test a prerequisite for participation. Strict measures can also be taken against athletes who do not comply or do not bypass the process.
“Many athletes go to major events such as the Olympic Games or Asian Games, and when they underestimate, they say that they were not 100%in good shape. It is not acceptable. The government examines this and will soon require fitness tests above all major event,” said sources.
Fitness assessments will be specific to sport and carried out under the supervision of designated medicine and training professionals. The initiative is considered a step towards building a more disciplined sports ecosystem focused on the country’s performance.
The decision seems to be a step in the right direction while India is preparing for its official candidacy for the 2036 Olympic Games. Indian sports cleaned its act on this issue and avoid unnecessary controversies. With continuous government support, Indian expects to improve his number of medals at the Olympic Games.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially submitted a letter expressing its intention to submission for the summer Olympic Games in 2036. A significant improvement in its number of medals in the 2028 games in Los Angeles and the subsequent publishing of 2032 will increase the chances of the country to demonstrate accommodation for 2036.
(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)
Subjects mentioned in this article
