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Port Blair, Sept. 18: The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A. K. Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, reviewed the functioning of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs at Raj Niwas today. The Chief Secretary,   Secretary (Sports), Secretary to LG, Director (Sports), Dy. Director (SAI), Officers, Coaches from Sports department and SAI were present during the meeting.  The Lt Governor interacted with all the Coaches and exhorted them to contribute their best for achieving the desired results in their disciplines.  

He emphasized that Sports Associations are expected to maintain transparency and fair play in selection of teams for National Level Championships. Guidelines are to be observed by the Association as these teams represent the Islands. He observed that the Associations have to do fair selection and also ensure proper utilization of the financial assistance given by the Administration. The Lt Governor strongly reiterated that fielding of other State players on behalf of A&N Islands in any National Championships will not be accepted. Secretary (Sports) was asked to convene a meeting with all the Sports Associations to formulate eligibility code/selection norms for participation of the islands’ sportspersons at National level competitions.  Any violation of eligibility code and laid down norms would attract strict action including criminal proceedings and FIRs would be lodged against the Associations concerned. 

The Lt Governor directed that the State Sports Council and Regional Sports Council be reconstituted. It was decided that sportspersons and sports enthusiasts should be given due representation in the Council. 

Department of Sports was asked to ensure procurement of quality sports equipments so that Island sportspersons achieve their full potential at National championships. It was suggested that senior coaches having experience of coaching National teams should be taken on short term contract for various disciplines prior to participation in National championships. 

The Lt. Governor asked the Sports Department to have a vision document for promoting sports culture, broad-base sports in the Islands and also for the islanders to achieve excellence in sports at National and International levels.  Sports department was asked to prepare Five Year and Ten Year Plans as part of their future roadmap. The Lt Governor directed all the Sports Bodies to work together for achieving this aim. He further emphasized that the Sports culture should not be confined to Port Blair but should also extend to all other Islands. It may be recalled that the Lt Governor had earlier issued directions for upgradation of Sports infrastructure in the Netaji Stadium Sports Complex. The Sports department informed that the renovation and upgradation of Billiards room and multi-Gym hall are under progress. These facilities will be made available to the public by 1st November, 2013.