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

(a) whether Government’s attention has been drawn to the charge recently levelled against the Secretary of the All India Chess Federation by the father of Indian chess champion;

(b) whether it is a fact that India’s leading woman athlete Ms. P.T. Usha also alleged mistreatment by Indian Olympic Association (IOA); and

(c) if so, what steps Government proposes to take to revamp and reorganize such agencies to make them more accountable for sports and athletic performance?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

(SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a) No complaint has been received in the Ministry about a charge levelled against the Secretary of the All India Chess Federation by the father of Indian Chess Champion. However, a request was received, through All India Chess Federation and Indian Olympic Association, from Ms. Koneru Humpy, a Chess player, for permitting her to take her father Shri Koneru Ashok as personal trainer at Government cost for 3rd Asian Indoor Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 30th October to 8th November 2009. Since this request was over and above the official contingent of 12 chess players and 2 coaches approved by the Government, it was not allowed at Government cost.

(b) The Ministry has not received any complaint about mistreatment of Ms. P.T. Usha by Indian Olympic Association.

(c) In view of replies at (a) and (b) above, question does not arise.