New Delhi: Indian athletes, particularly women, will have a dedicated official to address safety-related concerns at the 20th Asian Games, which begin in Japan on September 19. The Indian government has appointed Neetal Narang as the Safeguarding Officer for the Indian contingent to ensure that athletes do not have to face issues such as mental or sexual harassment, abusive comments, inappropriate jokes, neglect or negligence—and that any such complaints are resolved promptly.
The appointment of Neetal Narang comes after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) made the appointment of a safeguarding officer mandatory. Narang is the president of the Softball Association of India and holds an internationally recognised certification as a safeguarding officer.
Speaking to PTI about her appointment, Neetal Narang said, “My responsibility will be to ensure the safety of athletes in various matters. If any athlete approaches me with a complaint related to these issues, the details will be kept confidential so that the athlete’s confidence and trust are maintained. India has appointed such an officer for the first time at the Asian Games.”
Neetal Narang will remain in contact with the OCA’s safeguarding officer. Over the past few months, she has already met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Indian Olympic Association president P. T. Usha, javelin throw champion Neeraj Chopra and several other Indian athletes at various events.
In a press release, the OCA stated, “There is no place for any form of harassment or abusive language in sport.”
India will send 503 athletes to the Asian Games, comprising 234 women and 269 men. Of the 246 members of the support staff accompanying the contingent, only 56 are women.
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