Mumbai: In a report submitted by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Friday to the Sports Ministry after India’s disappointing performance at the Rio Olympics, reveals allegations that unfit athletes were sent to represent India at Rio.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set up a special task force last month to probe into the unsatisfactory outcome of athletes at the summer games, and also prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure effective participation for the next three Olympics starting from Tokyo 2020.
A shocking report from SAI states that one of the major reasons for India’s poor show at the Olympics was sending unfit athletes along with bringing to notice the credibility of foreign coaches roped in to train top Indian sportspersons.
According to sources, the report also recommends that foreign coaches be hired cautiously and after stringent evaluation. It also offers suggestions as to how the national-level coaching camps be improved to get the desired outcome rather than organizing them on a routine basis.
A statement in the press released by the Sports Ministry said, “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.”
If sources are to be believed, Goel has also sent letters to each individual athlete in a bid to invite suggestions and feedback for future events. “He has stated that they should feel free to give him their suggestions or feedback anytime either personally or through mail”, the ministry said.
The PM’s Office has also asked the Sports ministry to submit a detailed report into India’s dismal show, especially after only two athletes could bring home a medal out of a total of 118 participants.