India ramps up pressure on sports federations

By foxsports
Published

The Indian government is threatening to cut off funding to sports federations that refuse to comply with controversial age and tenure limitations, a move that is likely to put the authorities further at odds with the International Olympic Committee.

Angry that more than a third of the 68 associations have ignored the new regulations, Sports Minister M S Gill told the Press Trust of India that only those that comply will be eligible for financial grants and other benefits.

The IOC warned India in May of potential sanctions over government interference in the running of sports federations. The IOC said autonomy was the fundamental principle in the Olympic Charter and any external interference could result in India's exclusion from international sports events.