What is the draft against age fraud from Sports Ministry? What is the punishment for fudging age?

What is the draft against age fraud from Sports Ministry? What is the punishment for fudging age?

The Sports Ministry, on Thursday, put the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025 in the public domain for comments/suggestions.

“This addresses age fraud comprehensively, aiming to protect genuine athletes and uphold the integrity of sports competitions nationwide,” the Ministry said in a release.

“This revision has been undertaken almost after 15 years marking a significant update to the existing framework to ensure fair competition, ethical governance, and enhanced accountability in Indian sports.”

Daft NCAAFS will apply to all athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and support personnel involved in recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs), Sports Authority of India (SAI), Sports Control Boards managed by Central Government departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and NGOs, NSPOs, public/private agencies, and institutions promoting sports development.

The draft NCAAFS provides that States/UTs may either adopt this policy or use this as a model framework to develop their own policy for promoting uniformity nationwide.

Athletes found guilty on the first violation will face a two-year ban from all competitions, along with forfeiture of any titles or medals won.

A second violation will result in a lifetime ban and initiation of legal proceedings under the penal code.

Coaches and other officials found guilty will also face suspension and debarment from their roles.

However, a one-time amnesty window of six months will be provided, allowing athletes to voluntarily declare their correct age without penalties.

Athletes who participate in this amnesty program will undergo a performance review and subsequently be reassigned to the appropriate age group.

No, the Draft is now open for suggestions and comments till March 30. The suggestions can be e-mailed section.sp3-moyas[at]gov[dot]in.

Published on Mar 13, 2025