Centre issues directives to curb Prize Money tournaments

Instructions were issued to all recognized NSFs to the effect that individual players will be able to avail grants given to NSFs by the Ministry only if they undertake to play in the Indian team when called upon to do so without reservations and if there are specific exigencies because of which they are unable to play, this should be verified by the concerned NSF which thereupon can make an exception at their discretion. However, it was noticed, while finalizing the Indian contingent for the Incheon Asian Games 2014, that senior and rank holding sportspersons of some sports disciplines decided to pull out, preferring to play in prize money tournaments instead of participating in the Asian Games giving the impression that such sportspersons do not take these sports competitions seriously. Multi-sports events are held once in 4 years and the nation takes pride in the number of medals won in these prestigious sports events. Therefore, it is again reiterated and made clear to all recognized National Sports Federations that individual players will be able to avail grants given to NSFs by the Ministry only if they undertake to play in the Indian team when called upon to do so without reservations. If there are specific exigencies because of which they are unable to play, this should be verified by the concerned NSF which thereupon can make an exception at their discretion. It is also informed that such sportspersons, who decide not to take part in international tournaments including multi-disciplinary sports events where India as a team participates for medals rather than cash awards, will not be considered for funding from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).