Lok Sabha Question No. 3340 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-21
Subject: Safety of Young Athletes
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Mitesh Rameshbhai (Bakabhai) Patel, Ramesh Chand Bind, Shardaben Anilbhai Patel

## Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports

## Government of India Department of Sports

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3340

## TO BE ANSWERD ON 21.03.2023

## Safety of Young Athletes

3340.

SHRI MITESH RAMESHBHAI PATEL (BAKABHAI):

SHRI RAMESH CHAND BIND: SHRIMATI SHARDABEN ANILBHAI PATEL:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  agrees  with  the  view  that  the  sports governing  bodies  need  to  counsel  the  young  athletes  about  their safety and ensure effective channels for the reporting and redressal of various types of abuses including drug abuse;
- (b) if so, the details of the initiatives taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

(a): Yes, Sir. The Government of India emphasizes ethical conduct as a key factor in the fair administration of the sporting disciplines and facilitates a safe environment free of harassment and discrimination for  all  stakeholders  participating  in  sports,  including  the  athletes, athlete support personnel, coaches, referees, officials, sports science and medical personnel, volunteers, managers, administrators, committee members, parents or guardians, as well as the  office-bearers  of  the  respective  National  Sports  Federations (NSFs).

Further,  the  Government  is  committed  to  eradicate  doping/drug abuse by sportspersons. To this end, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA),  an  autonomous  organization  under  Government  of  India, conducts Anti-Doping education awareness programmes in association with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as well as various National Sports Federations (NSFs) for all stakeholders, including the young athletes.

- (b)  &  (c):  The  details  of  the  various  initiatives  taken  by  the Government in this regard are as under:
- (i) The Government of India finances and supports the recognized NSFs  for  development  of  various  sports  disciplines.  Various educational and awareness programmes are organised by each NSF and are included in the Annual Calendar of Training and Competitions (ACTC) mechanism.
- (ii) NADA has launched an Anti-Doping helpline (1800-119-919) for the athletes and athlete support personnel to provide information about Anti-Doping rules and guidelines. NADA also operates the 'Speak Up!' portal, for athletes and others to report violation of Anti-Doping rules.
- (iii) Need based awareness-cum-education material has been prepared  by  NADA  in  association  with  the  NSFs.  NADA  has introduced mass awareness programmes for athletes to create awareness about the Anti-Doping Rules and the ill effects of doping. A total of  119  such  Anti-Doping  awareness  and education  sessions/  workshops  were  organised  by  NADA  in 2022.
- (iv) NADA regularly releases information about the various Prohibited  Substances  declared  by  the  World  Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in the form of pamphlets in different regional languages.
- (v) SAI has issued formal instructions to ensure safe and positive environment in Sport by spreading awareness regarding appropriate  behaviour  consistent  with  the  core  values  of sportsmanship and appropriate moral conduct.

*****