New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking directions for advancement of facilities for athletics and availability of latest training infrastructure and funds to the sports persons.
A bench of Justices U U Lalit, Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi said it was aware of the issues but cannot pass any directions to the government as there has to be individual drive.
"Are you into sports? There has to be individual drive in men or women. There are people like Mirabai Chanu, Mary Kom who have risen above adversities and yet shined like anything. This cannot be done under the diktat of the court. We won't be able to do anything. Either you withdraw or we will dismiss the petition," the bench said.
The petition was then withdrawn.
The bench also refused to grant liberty to the petitioner to make representation before appropriate authorities and said there was no individual cause or dispute.
"We have all the sympathy and share the same views. Sorry. The petitioner is allowed to withdraw the petition," the apex court said.
The petitioner Advocate Vishal Tiwari had sought directions for initiating public accountability of the funds allocated for the sports industry and perform greater promotional activities by broadcasting of sporting events, as per a Live Law report.
The petitioner advocate Vishal Tiwari submitted that sportspersons have been participating in Olympics for several decades but results are not satisfactory and they need support and facilities from the Centre and states.
Alleging that there was arbitrary allocation of funds, the plea also sought directions for fixing accountability of the money allocated for athletics.
The PIL had also sought to declare hockey the national game of India. "There is a popular perception that Hockey is the National Game or sport of India, but it has not been officially recognised by the government," the petitioner said.
However the bench expressed disinclination to entertain the petition.
Further, directions to promote the Athletics games of Olympics at School and College level, and for the formulation of a Special Committee to govern the sports programs in schools and colleges were also sought.
