NSFs to publish Games selection policy two years in advance: Mandaviya
Almost all major National Sports Federations (NSFs) have complied with the directive with Badminton Association of India (BAI), Boxing Federation of India (BFI), and National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) making their selection criteria available on their website.
Selection of the boxing team is done on the basis of an evaluation system where pugilists are judged on key parameters such as sparring, weight management, gym performance and running. NRAI relies on two-stage selection trials. The rankings are determined after four selection trials and the rifle, pistol and shotgun shooters are picked and slotted in Group A and B. Only the Group A shooters are considered for senior international events.
The system worked well for India at last year's Paris Olympics where shooters ended an eight-year duck, claiming three medals. The same system was recently used to pick teams for Asian Championships and the junior and senior World Cups.
Like NRAI, the badminton association too picks its teams from an elite core group that is 'formed in consultation with the department concerned of Sports Authority of India,' as per its website.
'For participation in international tournaments, entries of senior players are sent from the core group as per their BWF Ranking. Apart from above, for a few international tournaments, players are selected from sr ranking tournaments. These selection tournaments are declared in advance and put in website,' it states.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) too is largely in compliance. The squads are chosen on the basis of selection trials, and while it's way too early for WFI to announce the trials for next year's Asian Games, it has put out notifications for all international senior and age-group events on the website.
'We have been quite transparent with our policies. The wrestlers are notified well in advance and the same is uploaded on the website,' a WFI official said.
The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) picks teams based on athletes meeting entry standards or qualifying via the rankings route. 'All our policies are clearly mentioned on our website. We are among the first NSFs of the country to adopt such a transparent approach. Our directives to athletes are also put out well in advance to ensure there is no confusion,' AFI spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said.
Mandaviya's statement also recalled the instructions released in March with respect to the selection for international meets, inclusion in coaching camps and selection of coaches and support staff.
An important mandate from the ministry makes it mandatory for NSFs to record selection trials. 'Selection trials must be video recorded or monitored via CCTV. Recordings must be sent to SAI with minutes of the selection committee,' Mandaviya said.
It is also mandatory for NSFs to have a Grievance Redressal Mechanism. 'It must be in place and grievances resolved within seven days. Grievance committees must be independent of the selection committee,' he stated.
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But now I am able to execute my plans better. Earlier, I was just going there and competing without much understanding of the game situation and my opponents.' Asked about the Paris controversy, Antim said she felt down for some time because it was not her fault. 'There was some confusion in the entire episode. There was a lot of pressure on me and I could not deliver in Paris. I felt bad but my family and people around me were a very big support. If I have made any mistake then they would tell me. The training at national camp with different sparring partners has helped. I am now more attacking. 'This is a comeback for me and I am looking at bigger goals. Yes, the World Championships is the first target, then Asian Games and LA 2028 qualification.' While Antim is the most experienced and strongest medal prospect for the worlds, there were some promising junior wrestlers who made it to the squad. The WFI, on the suggestion of the national coaches, allowed the medallists of U20 Worlds and U20 Asian meets also to participate. 'We are building the team for the LA Olympics and that's why the juniors were also asked to appear for the trials. The result is impressive. It's mostly a young team (18-20 year-olds) full of exciting new talents who have replaced the seniors,' said chief coach Virender Dahiya. 'We want to win medals but we will keep an eye on how they progress at this world championships,' he said. Paris Olympian Nisha Dahiya (68kg) lost the trials to eventual winner Radika, while four juniors Tapasya (57kg), Jyoti Berwal (72kg), Neha Sangwan (59kg) and Priya Malik (76kg) won in different categories. They won the world junior trials a week ago and the senior trials on Sunday. All eyes were also on Vaishnavi Patil (65kg), the wrestler from Maharashtra who made it to the team beating Haryana's Muskan 7-2 in the final. Vaishnavi might not be from wrestling powerhouse Haryana but she has been training in Hisar at Sushil Kumar Akhada. She switched base four years back as there were not many academies with good facilities in Maharashtra and the move has paid off. Team: Ankush (50kg), Antim Panghal (53kg), Nishu (55kg), Tapasya (57kg), Neha Sangwan (59kg), Manisha (62kg), Vaishnavi Patil (65kg), Radhika (68kg), Jyoti Berwal (72kg), Priya Malik (76kg).
