Athletes to undergo medical examination to determine age: Code

New Delhi: To weed out the menace of age fraud in competitions, the Sports Ministry has made it compulsory for the athletes – new and existing – to undergo a medical examination to determine age.

The ministry today released the National Code against Age Fraud in Sports, which will come into force from April 1, 2010 and is binding on all athletes and sports bodies in the country. After the medical examination the athletes, who compete in age specific events, will be issued an identity card by Sports Authority of India (SAI) or National Sports Federation (NSFs) concerned. “Once an I-Card is issued, fresh medical examination will not be required for subsequent participation. Any existing athlete found to be overage, will have the option to appeal and in case he/she is found to be overage even after going through the appeal process, he/she shall not be allowed to participate in the competitions meant for lower age groups,” a release said.SAI will notify a panel of doctors and hospitals state and region wise for carrying out the medical examination and also the list of appellate panel of hospitals. “The cost for medical examination conducted by Sports Authority of India and NSFs shall be reimbursed by the Government,” the release added. The ministry said through the release that compliance with the Code will become part of the eligibility criteria for recognition of NSFs and hence non-compliance with the code will attract suspension/de-recognition clause in respect of the defaulting Federations. PTI