Will take strict measures to stop age fraud: Tapan Das

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: New Chairman of Hockey India's Age Fraud committee Tapan Das in an interaction with The Sentinel shares his association's plan to stop age-old menace under control. Here is the excerpt.

The Sentinel (TS): Age fraud is a big issue in sports in the country. Share Hockey India's plan to tackle the issue.

Das: Yes, age fraud is a very big problem in our sports. Although many steps were taken to stop this practice, it's not eradicated completely. Most of the sports are still suffering because of the cheating in player's age. Sports ministry has already instructed all the sports Federations to introduce National Code Against Age Fraud and we are following the same direction. I believe in the coming days we would be able to keep our game clean from this age-old menace.

TS: Can you elaborate a little bit on the way your committee will function?

Das: It is now mandatory to register the name and age of players in a particular portal which will monitor this issue. Players can directly enroll their name or take the help of a concerned State Association. Once the players registered his name and age it would be the responsibility of the concerned State Association to verify the data that the players had submitted. If the State Association clears the players he or she is eligible to play in different age group categories according to his/her age.

TS: So the State Association now has to take equal responsibilities.

Das: Definitely. Player's enrollment would not be completed until the State Association gave clearance. We are sending instructions to all the State Association to verify the age that would be submitted by the players of their concerned States. The date of birth must be verified by the State association according to the different government documents like Aadhaar Card, Birth Certificate, Passport etc before they cleared the players. If a player is found overaged later, liability should also be fixed on the State association.

TS: What is the punishment for age fraud?

Das: Players face ban for stipulated period along with fine.

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