Vijay Goel’s fiasco at Rio Olympics

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Last week, Rio Olympic organisers threatened to cancel Indian Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel’s accreditation, since his entourage ended up being aggressive and rude with the Olympics organisers. He was, however, let go off the hook lightly with just a rap on his knuckles. We ask members from the sports fraternity to comment on the need for decorum and stricter codes of conduct for ministers to follow while representing their country on an international stage. What are a few steps that should be taken to curb this kind of behaviour

‘Vijay goel should have been sacked’ First and foremost, I find it unnecessary that Vijay Goel or for that matter, any other minister should accompany the athletes to Rio for the Olympics. The money should be spent on things which are important, and not on ministers. It is waste of taxpayers money. Instead, people who are associated with the sports fraternity should go for the event. For instance, Indian wrestler Narsingh Yadav, who was banned for four years following the doping allegation, couldn’t defend himself due to lack of funds. Even Dutee Chand didn’t have shoes for the sporting event and hockey players didn’t have proper kits.

Even if a minister has to go, there should be strict discipline. A mistake committed by a minister or any of his team members should be looked upon strictly. As far as this incident is concerned, Vijay Goel should have taken up the responsibility. He should have been sacked but he got off lightly. Vijay Mohan Raj, former Indian first-class cricketer

‘Officials need to be held accountable’ A strict code of decorum is needed in Indian sports, especially for the sports officials. While athletes are putting in their heart and soul, they’re bearing the brunt from the officials, who always get away for their comments. There is a need to have a proper structure in place so that there is a clear understanding of the working of funds, scientific support and other aspects. While the focus needs to be on the athletes, officials need to be accountable too, instead of becoming an extra baggage while the athletes suffer. Dr Chaitanya Sridhar, sport and performance psychologist

‘Every one should obey the rules and decorum’ Every sporting event has a set of guidelines and decorum to be strictly adhered, to on an off the ground. For a marquee event like Rio Olympics, it is a matter of serious concern. All are bound to respect and obey those rules and decorum— no one is an exception. When a sportman takes part in an event in the stadium, the coach cannot stay near the track. In Rio, the event is progressing under strict security measures and it takes too much effort to make sure things fall in place. Otherwise, it’s a commendable gesture that the sports minister himself went on to cheer up the contestants as it revitalises their spirit and energy.

Another thing is that participants need to be accompanied with their coaches. I read a few media reports, which said that a big team was flown into Rio but the coaches were left behind. Having a coach around does make an impact on the performance of the participants. Their physical presence helps in a good deal whenever they are in need of advice or support. Padmini Thomas (Arjuna Award recipient and former president of Kerala State Sports Council)

‘People should focus on what’s happening on the field’ Taking a selfie is not a crime, especially in a selfie-crazy world. But in a place like the Olympics, there are certain rules that one must follow. Especially if you are representing the country — be it as a sportsperson or as a minister — you must accept the rules. I remember when I had gone to the Olympics, we were not allowed in certain areas due to security reasons. We all must comply with the rules. As far as Vijay Goel is concerned, I haven’t followed the event much, because after all I think, the Olympics is a sporting arena and people should focus more on what’s happening on the field. I’m hoping he has learnt his lesson. Kamlesh Mehta, retired table tennis player

‘Vijay’s action was enough to bring him back home’ There should have been a public admonishment for Vijay Goel’s actions. It is unacceptable to have gone to a serious, prestigious international sporting event and treat it like a personal jamboree. I think this itself should have been enough to bring him back home.. Disrespecting the gravitas of the Olympics sends out the wrong message not only to the international community but also to the Indian athletes themselves. Medal or no medal, they are all serious, gifted sportspersons and their presence on that platform deserves respect. I personally feel that many a time, ministers are given charge of ministries without having enough or any knowledge of the field. For them, it becomes a matter of political oneupmanship alone, and maybe that can lead to situations like this one. And there is also the question of leadership: even if the minister is not the one to have misbehaved, he is nevertheless accountable for his coterie as their leader. Shifting the blame is a fairly pointless thing to do, on anyone’s part. Ayaz Memon, author