Govt can't dictate terms to federations on selection: Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday made it clear that the government would not interfere in selection matters but advised the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to be transparent and resolve the Nikhat Zareen-Mary Kom in the best possible manner.

Former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen had written a letter to Rijiju on Thursday, demanding that she be given a trial bout against Mary Kom before the Indian squad for next year's Olympic qualifiers in China is decided.

The BFI wants Mary Kom (51kg) to compete in Qualifying event in China after she won her eighth World Championships medal in Russia.

"We have to understand one thing, govt can't dictate the federations or get involved in the process of selection," Rijiju said on the sidelines of the felicitation program of the Indian women's boxing team.

"If there are anomalies and certain things which are not in the interest of sports we make advisory suggestions. Olympic charter is clear that govt shouldn't interfere in the functioning and administration of a federation.

"Everybody has the freedom to seek some sort of redressal to their grievances and as a minister we have to respond positively. So I will advise the federation to be transparent and take a decision which is in the interest of the nation. But we would not get into the details of it."
"I don't want sports bodies to face problems from IOC or their respective international federations. When we create problem, then only someone will intervene. Why should court intervene in sports matters?
"I have already stated to all federations that we are coming with an appropriate sports code which will govern everybody without any issue."