Patna: All Players and Teams from Bihar have been banned from taking part in the upcoming 35th National Games to be held from January 31 to February 14 in Kerala. This ban is the direct result of a wider ban imposed by Indian Olympic Association upon the state over controversial Bihar State Registration, REcognition and Regulation Act 2013. A decision regarding enforcing this ban was taken on December 19 at a meeting of IOA Executive Committee at Chennai.
In past IOA had repeatedly expressed its displeasure over the act, arguing that it violates the autonomy of sports bodies in the state. The act is also in contradiction to the charter of International Olympic Council which forbids any external interference over the functioning of sports organizations.
The Act reportedly mandates all sports bodies to seek affiliation from the State Government. It also imposes penalty and jail term to those who fail to comply with its provisions.
Until the Government withdraws the Act or a compromise is reached, the sportspersons of the state won’t be able to participate in the Games.
The 2015 National Games of India will be held from 31 January 2015 to 14 February 2015 across seven districts in Kerala. Former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was selected as the goodwill ambassador for the games.