'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
THE GAMEKEEPERS & THE FLAG BEARERS: The National Sports Federations (NSF) are the national governing body for sports in India. For decades, these autonomous bodies have functioned within their limitations and struggled to create any purposeful impact on Indian Sport.
Many factors may have contributed to creating a limiting impact, including focus, policy, mandate, capability, operating model, funding, etc. However, in my opinion, the Federation’s purpose, passion, ownership and the drive to make a difference to a specific sport is where the crux of the problem lies.
Simply put, no one cares. My intent here is not to point fingers at any one specific Sports Federation. In spite of many problems, some of these Federations (Wrestling, Badminton, Kabaddi, Table Tennis & Weightlifting) have found a way forward and taken steps in the right direction. Others have not yet started their journey.
The general feeling amongst sports stakeholders is that NSFs are "the problem". And therefore, NSFs have to emerge as the thought & action leaders, driving Indian Sports into the future. And in order to do so, they have to deliver to Indian Sports - (1) PURPOSEFUL IMPACT (2) VISIBLE & SUSTAINABLE IMPACT.
PURPOSEFUL IMPACT: The journey for purposeful impact has to be part of a well thought out plan. And, therefore, the Game Keepers have to answer FIVE Key Questions:
CREATING A 'VISIBLE & SUSTAINABLE IMPACT' ON THE SPORT: In two parts as below:
(A) UNIFIED ACTION GAME DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: Needs a holistic vision that integrates the various elements involved, into one common direction, as below:
(B) FEDERATION ROLE & KEY DIMENSIONS: In order to deliver success, a structured plan needs to be put in place & the system needs to be clear about - (1) What needs to be achieved? (2) How will it be achieved? (3) Who will do what? (4) What are the interlinkages & How will we work together?
Some of these dimensions are discussed below:
In addition,
(ONE): WHAT OVERARCHING PURPOSE SHOULD THE FEDERATION DELIVER?
(1) Promote & protect the long-term cause & wellbeing of athletes first and then all other stakeholders, (2) Focus on broad basing & performance excellence, (3) Develop & integrate the sports ecosystem, (4) Seek and maintain affiliation with appropriate international sports bodies, (5) Implement changes in principles/policies as envisaged under the Sports Code/ Act
(TWO): WHAT IS THE FEDERATION MANDATE? WHY DOES IT EXIST?
(1) Provide access to world-class training & support services to athletes, (2) Maintain the technical sanctity of the sport including availability and standards of coaches, technical officials, referees, (3) Apply & deliver universal principles of good governance, (4) Identify, select and train athletes for international tours/competitions, (5) Conduct and manage the national championships & maintain national ranking system & the award for national title/ championships and maintain records, (6) Fundraising for the sport
(THREE): WHAT SHOULD THE FEDERATION BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR?
(1) Grow & promote the sport and encourage participation, (2) Build the talent pipeline, (3) Create financial viability for the sport & its ecosystem and ensure financial sustenance for athletes, (4) Athlete engagement & satisfaction
(FOUR): WHY IS COMMERCIALIZATION/SELF SUSTENANCE SO CRITICAL TO THE FUTURE OF THE FEDERATION & ITS SPORT?
(1) The Federation has to find funding alternatives. Grants from the government cannot be the single source of funds, (2) For the sports ecosystem to grow, everyone within the ecosystem should have the opportunity to build a financially viable & sustainable career within, (3) In order to attract private sector investment, the federation and its gamekeepers have to create platforms & services within the sport that are attractive to investors, brand owners & collaboration partners
(FIVE) WHAT ASPECTS ARE CORE TO THE FEDERATION? AND WHERE CAN IT INVOLVE THE PRIVATE SECTOR?
This will vary from one federation to another and depend on the maturity cycle/level of the sport. But clear lines of demarcation have to be drawn and clear accountabilities set. And all of this needs to be part of a larger game plan with equal benefit to all stakeholders concerned. An illustrative example of how this robust collaboration with the private sector to meet expectations of all parties concerned is shown below:
These are critical thought starters. All of us have to drive and elevate this conversation, till it reaches a peak. If we don't, India's future as a sporting nation is a dream that will take much longer to take shape.
