SAI holds SGFI responsible for the death of young girl footballer

SAI holds SGFI responsible for the death of young girl footballer

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The Sports Authority of India has sought the suspension of School Games Federation of India (SGFI), holding them responsible for the death of a 15-year old girl footballer from Delhi. SAI has also called to issue a show-cause notice to the Agra-based institution to prevent similar future actions.

SAI has held the SGFI responsible for the death of the girl who was part of the Indian Contingent at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. The Games, however, remained unsanctioned by the SAI or Sports Ministry. Further, it did not receive any recognition from the International School Sports Federation.

“Since SGFI acted outside the purview of their Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) by sending the contingent for the games without any authorization of the government of India, ministry of youth affairs and Sports, their recognition may be suspended and they should be issued a show cause notice,” TOI assessed an excerpt from the report.

“No sports federation may be permitted to send the Indian team/contingent for International sports events without the clearance from the government and Sports Ministry. Requirement of NOC from the Sports Ministry may be made mandatory for international sports events where the Indian contingents are sent by the sports federations,” added SAI in the report.

The 15-year old girl, Nitisha Negi was a part of the Indian Contingent at the unsanctioned Pacific School Games in Adelaide last December. A massive wave at Glenelg Beach swept off five girls, including Nitisha on December 10 in Adelaide. However, only four of them could be rescued by the Lifesavers and Nitisha’s body was discovered the next morning.

SAI has mentioned suspension and show cause notice to further avoid such similar course of actions in future. The SGFI was not within the rights to send an Indian Contingent for International Sports and they acted out of order. The coach concerned with the girl's football team, Virender Singh is in the departmental enquiry by the Delhi government. The concerned Games further faced protests from the Indian U-16 girls’ hockey team because of the lack of appropriate arrangements.

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