Supreme Court's decision is what it is, says Sports Minister Goel

'The Sports Ministry is not between Supreme Court, BCCI and Anurag Thakur. Directly Sports Ministry has nothing to do either with Lodha Committee or BCCI and with their decisions'

Sports Minister Vijay Goel refused to comment of Supreme Court's sacking of BCCI President Anurag Thakur, saying that the government was not party to the case and his ministry will not come between the top court and the cricket body.

"The Sports Ministry is not between Supreme Court, BCCI and Anurag Thakur. Directly, the Sports Ministry has nothing to do either with Lodha Committee or BCCI and with their decisions. We are not party to that ... Supreme Court decision is Supreme Court decision," Goel told reporters in Hyderabad on Monday.

The Supreme Court on Monday removed its president Anurag Thakur and secretary Ajay Shirke, saying they should 'forthwith cease and desist from' the board's work.

The apex court said the two officials -- Thakur and Shirke -- did not comply with its July 18 order and thereby been removed.

Goel also said that after the recent controversy surrounding the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Ministry has decided to constitute a committee for the improvement in National Sports Development Code under the chairmanship of Sports Secretary.

"For the good governance and transparency and cleanliness in sports I have constituted a committee so that we can give good governance and transparency in the federations, in the IOA and other bodies," Goel said.

He said in the past few months, the Sports Ministry has held meetings with NSFs, sports ministers of states, Olympians, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees and disucssed on what improvements can be brought.

"We are continuously working in this regard. I have asked my secretary to submit a report within one month on what kind of improvements can be brought," Goel added.

The Sports Ministry had to suspend the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) till the time it reverses its decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala Life Presidents. Kalmadi has already backed out owing to public outrage but Chautala has refused to budge as of now.

"In the recent past, the Ministry has already held meetings with the various stakeholders such as the National Sports Federations, Sports Ministers and Secretaries from different States,Olympians, Arjun Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, NGOs, field officers of the Sports Authority of India etc. on issues of good governance and transparency," the Ministry stated.

"The new Committee will suggest improvements in the present National Sports Development Code on the basis of suggestions and feedback given in these meetings and submit a report within a month so that Sports Bodies work as per the public expectations for the promotion of sports in the country," it added. 

Image: Sports Minister Vijay Goel

Photograph: ANI/Twitter