Politicians officials dominate MP sports bodies:Bhaskar probe after SC remark finds leaders controlling 45 associations

Out of 50 sports associations in Madhya Pradesh, as many as 24 are headed by politicians, while 15 have government employees serving as presidents. Only five associations are led by athletes. Recently, the Supreme Court made a strong observation during the hearing on the Maharashtra Cricket Association elections, stating that those who do not even know how to hold a bat are occupying key positions in cricket bodies. The court emphasized that sports institutions should be led by individuals who understand the game. Following this remark, Bhaskar conducted an investigation into 50 sports associations across Madhya Pradesh. The probe revealed that political and bureaucratic influence extends beyond cricket, with most sports bodies controlled by individuals who have no direct connection to the sport they oversee. In several cases, the situation appeared contradictory. Individuals suffering from lifestyle diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes were found heading associations where physical fitness is essential. Similarly, people with no experience in shooting were occupying decision-making positions in shooting federations. Bhaskar’s investigation also examined when these associations last held democratic elections and assessed the condition of district-level bodies at the grassroots. Experts were consulted to understand why sports federations continue to remain under the influence of politicians and officials. These 5 points emerged after Bhaskar’s investigation Now learn about these sports associations systematically Mendola has held president’s post for 16 years The Madhya Pradesh Olympic Association (MOA) is the apex sports body in the state. Without its recognition, players from any sports association cannot participate in official national competitions. The association also plays a crucial role in recommending athletes for prestigious state honours such as the Vikram Award and the Eklavya Award. Despite its importance, this supreme institution remains heavily dominated by political influence. BJP leader Ramesh Mendola has held the president’s position continuously for the past 16 years. Before him, prominent political figures including Vishwas Sarang and V.D. Sharma served as vice presidents of the association, highlighting the deep-rooted political presence in the state’s top sports body. Scindia family has controlled cricket body for 22 years Cricket, the most popular sport in Madhya Pradesh, is also under prolonged political control rather than being led by former players. For the past 22 years, since 2004, no cricketer has served as president of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA). The post is currently held by Maharajyaman Scindia, representing the third generation of the Scindia family to lead the association. Before him, his father Jyotiraditya Scindia and grandfather Madhavrao Scindia also served as presidents. This reflects a long-standing political and dynastic grip over cricket administration in the state. The situation is similar at the district level, where influential politicians dominate cricket associations across Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, former players and qualified sports administrators continue to wait for opportunities to contribute to the sport’s governance. Family control continues in Table Tennis Association The Madhya Pradesh Table Tennis Association presents a clear example of power remaining within families despite official restrictions. When rules prevented office-bearers from continuing after completing two terms, then president Om Soni and secretary Jayesh Acharya stepped down. However, leadership remained within their families. Om Soni’s younger brother, Pramod Soni, was elected as the new president, while former secretary Jayesh Acharya’s wife, Rinku Acharya, became the new secretary. Notably, both Jayesh and Rinku Acharya have represented India as international table tennis players and are actively involved in coaching and training. Nevertheless, the transition highlights how administrative control often remains concentrated within close family circles. One chair, two claimants and players caught in between
The situation of Madhya Pradesh Athletics Association is even more peculiar. There are two factions of the same association, and both claim to be official. One faction is headed by state Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang, which is recognized by MP Olympic Association. The other faction is headed by coach Amanat Khan, which is recognized by the Athletics Federation of India. The result of this political battle is that the future of players hangs in balance. The Sports Department provides stadium and other facilities only to Sarang’s faction, while the other faction remains neglected. Other sports federations also under politicians’ control This list is very long. Whether it’s hockey, basketball, judo or horse riding, everywhere the position of president or secretary is occupied by either a politician, a big businessman or a retired government employee who has no connection with the intricacies of that sport. Players are only kept in positions like advisors or joint secretaries, where no one listens to them. Experts said – Accountability should be established Former Olympian and former Union Minister Aslam Sher Khan says on this matter that sports can only benefit from honest thinking. We are behind any country in the world in only one aspect, and that is honesty. If the people sitting in our sports federations and athletes become honest towards their work, no one can defeat us. He further said, the current situation is that in individual sports, people are promoting their preferred individuals. If an athlete is unable to perform, they are being made to perform by giving injections. They win at the state level but cannot sustain at international standards. The same is the condition of team games. Instead of fielding the strongest team in hockey or football, two or three weak players of their choice are given place in the team, which disturbs the balance of the entire team and we lose. He gave a brilliant example of the 1954 Olympics, when the Indian hockey team won the silver medal after losing by one goal in the final. At that time, J.R.D. Tata, the president of the Hockey Association, resigned from his post taking moral responsibility for the defeat. Today there is a dire need for similar honesty and accountability.