In a significant decision, the Delhi High Court has granted the Centre permission to distribute funds to national sports federations for the training and international participation of Indian sportspersons. The court’s interim directive aims to bolster the preparation for potential hosting of the 2036 Summer Olympics, underscoring the broader benefits such global events could bring to the nation.
The ruling, issued by a bench led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, includes the expansion of an oversight committee—from five to seven members—to monitor the allocation of these funds. This move follows an application from the Centre, which expressed India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, representing the petitioner, raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds intended for sports development. However, the court emphasized the necessity of an interim arrangement that balances the ambitions of international sports participation with the immediate needs of domestic athletes.
The court highlighted the importance of initiating training and equipment procurement without delay to meet international sports standards recognized by global sports bodies. Furthermore, the bench directed the Centre to submit quarterly financial statements to maintain transparency in the funding process.
This judicial backing comes at a critical juncture as India positions itself as a formidable contender to host the prestigious 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Earlier court decisions had stipulated strict compliance with sports administration laws for federations receiving financial support, reflecting a rigorous approach to sports governance.
