1342 Athletes Removed from Khelo India in Three Years, Govt Tightens Anti-Doping Net
Khelo India Programme faced a drop out of 1,342 athletes over three years. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha about the development. The exits were due to poor performance and doping violations. He was responding to a question on athlete performance under the scheme. The minister said 2,905 new athletes were added during the same period. “A total of 1,342 athletes have exited the programme during the last three years due to performance below the prescribed benchmarks and involvement in doping violations,” he said in his written reply. He stressed that reviews are conducted regularly. “Performance benchmarks are revised annually and are updated on the Khelo India website from time to time. Athlete performance is mapped and measured annually as per the prescribed protocols and in assessment camps,” Mandaviya stated. At present, more than 23,000 athletes are being supported across the country under Khelo India. The Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC) manages both induction and exit. The process includes assessment camps and performance tracking. The Khelo India Programme was launched in 2017. It focuses on spotting and nurturing grassroots talent. Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is among its leading beneficiaries. The minister also spoke about anti-doping action. He said the government is strengthening enforcement and intelligence systems. “The Government is committed to ensure clean sport and has taken several steps to strengthen intelligence-gathering and investigative mechanisms, such as institutional strengthening of NADA’s Intelligence and Investigation infrastructure, including the recruitment and training of specialised personnel,” he said. He added that agencies like the CBI are being involved to support the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list for the highest number of positive cases in the past three years. The government says stricter monitoring is now in place.
Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi Fined For Breaching ICC Code of Conduct
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi faced a penalty of 15 per cent of his match fee. The punishment relates to a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct during the Group D match against South Africa. The incident occurred early in the 14th over of Afghanistan’s innings after Nabi questioned the umpires regarding a wristband worn by South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. The discussion led to the charge. The game itself was a tense affair. South Africa eventually prevailed after a dramatic finish that required two Super Overs to decide the winner. According to the ICC, he breached Article 2.4. The charge concerns failure to comply with an qumpire’s instruction during an international fixture. The game between Afghanistan and South Africa was a tense affair. The match unfoled heart-throbbing performance from both sides. South Africa eventually secured the win by 4 runs, requiring two Super Overs to decide the winner.
Abhishek Sharma Facing Serious Weightloss After Stomach Infection
Indian opener Abhishek Sharma reportedly suffered from significant weight loss due to serious dehydration even after being discharged from the hospital. According to various news outlets, Sharma faced a serious health crisis on 6th February during net sessions at Wankhede. Despite the worsening conditions, he showcased grit on the field during the match against the USA. Many alleged that he might have consumed something to find himself in this condition, paired with a change in weather, which was amplified by a high fever. The cricketer was under hospital supervision, however, the fluid loss paired with weight loss will be an issue for the squad. Given the situation, the management has decided to rest Abhishek from the playing squad against Namibia as they are set to play against Pakistan on 15th February. While speaking about this issue, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate gave an update, stating, “Abhi still has a few issues with his tummy. We are hopeful that he will be available for the game in two days’ time,” Ten Doeschate said. “We’re waiting on Abhi’s fitness more than anything, and that will again open up a few different combinations.” The player is now under the supervision of a personal trainer in Delhi to supervise this rehabilitation and strength training. Sharma’s “destructive” presence at the top order is very useful for the team as they are set to play against Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
