Kolkata, Jun 11 (PTI) West Bengal’s newly-appointed Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Dr Indranil Khan on Thursday alleged that the state’s sports sector suffered from irregularities in the past, and said the BJP government would focus on restoring confidence, improving infrastructure and creating a healthier sporting ecosystem for young athletes.
Speaking to reporters after assuming charge of the department, Khan said complaints of corruption and irregularities had surfaced in several areas of sports administration and deserved scrutiny.
“Just as questions were raised in sectors such as education and health, there have also been allegations of irregularities in sports. Our priority is to move beyond that phase and create a system that encourages transparency, accountability and sporting excellence,” he said.
Khan, who is a clinical oncologist by profession, referred to the controversy surrounding the visit of Argentine football star Lionel Messi to Kolkata in December last year, alleging that the event had been poorly managed.
“A footballer of Messi’s stature was brought here and humiliated. It was not only disrespectful to him but also to the people of Bengal and India. The entire episode reflected administrative failure,” Khan said.
The event at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 13 had descended into chaos after a large number of people entered the venue allegedly without valid access, leading to security breaches and crowd disorder.
On the controversy surrounding the sculpture installed outside Salt Lake Stadium, Khan said any decision on the issue would be taken only after consultations with stakeholders.
“I cannot take a personal decision on the matter. We are functioning as a government. Discussions will be held with eminent footballers and other stakeholders before any decision is taken,” he said, further claiming that complaints regarding alleged syndicate operations in sports administration had reached him and asserted that such issues would be examined.
The minister also said he had received complaints relating to a Diamond Harbour-based professional football club, including allegations of financial irregularities and match-fixing.
“I have received serious complaints regarding Diamond Harbour FC, including allegations of money collection and match-fixing. I have only recently taken charge, but such allegations cannot be ignored. Several complaints have also been received through email. Everything will be examined carefully,” he said.
The minister, however, clarified that no conclusions would be drawn without a proper inquiry and that all allegations would be investigated in accordance with established procedures.
Khan attributed the state’s sporting challenges largely to weak investment and inadequate corporate participation in sports development.
“For years, investors believed that funds earmarked for sports development might not be utilised properly. As a result, corporate participation and CSR investment in sports remained limited. We want to change that perception,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future, the minister said increased industrial investment in West Bengal could eventually benefit the sports sector as well.
“When industry grows and investment comes to the state, CSR activities will also expand. Our objective will be to ensure that those resources are channelled towards strengthening sports infrastructure and supporting athletes,” Khan said. PTI SCH NN
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