NSF’s welcome Code against Age Fraud

Three national federations welcomed the National Code against Age Fraud in Sports which aimed at clamping down on age cheats, saying it was a step in the right direction.

New Delhi: Three national federations, which have been fighting the menace of over-age athletes, on Sunday welcomed the National Code against Age Fraud in Sports which aimed at clamping down on age cheats, saying it was a step in the right direction.

Indian Weightlifting Federation, Athletics Federation of India and All India Football Federation said they are ready to adhere to the new Code formulated by the Sports Ministry. Under the Code, which will come into force from April 1, athletes will have to undergo a medical examination to determine age and they will be issued an identity card by Sports Authority of India or national federations concerned. Any athlete found overage in age-group competitions will be disqualified. IWF secretary Sahadev Yadav said his federation was looking to have the age-proof identity cards issued before the National Youth Championships in June. “Weightlifting has been hit hard by over-age issue in youth and junior level. The formulation of the Code was a step in the right direction, we welcomed it. The identity cards would be ready before Youth Nationals in June,” Yadav told.AFI secretary Lalit Bhanot also welcomed the new Code but said age-proof identity cards have been in use for a long time in track and field events. “No doubt, it is a good thing a Code has been formulated to do away with age fraud. Younger athletes have been suffering because of age fraud. We have been fighting this problem for the past 20 years and we already have a system in place,” he said. “We issue identity cards to the athletes and any state or district units who field over-age athletes are suspended or disaffiliated. We have to see the details of the new Code and find out if there is any new thing in it,” Bhanot said. Another federation which has been hit by age-fudging issue is the AIFF, mainly in the Under-16 and Under-19 levels, and its secretary Alberto Colaco welcomed the move. “This is a very positive development for sports. AIFF welcomes this move,” he said. According to the Code, SAI would 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. Non-compliance with the Code will attract suspension/de-recognition in respect of the defaulting federations. PTI