By Prarthana Hazarika | Meghalaya Sports
As India’s athletes prepare to compete at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has reinforced a stringent code of conduct covering sporting integrity, safeguarding, injuries and behaviour in public.
The guidelines come ahead of the Games, which officially open in Japan on September 19 and run until October 4.
Among the most serious provisions are those dealing with match-fixing, betting and misconduct. SAI has secured undertakings from athletes, with participants also required to disclose injuries and health issues rather than conceal them before competition.
The rules also stress appropriate behaviour while athletes are in Japan, reflecting the country’s strong emphasis on public etiquette.
Athletes have been advised to queue properly, avoid littering and carry their waste until they find an appropriate disposal point. They have also been told to use earphones when listening to music or watching media in public spaces and to respect personal boundaries.
Cultural sensitivity is another important component of the guidelines. Athletes have been advised to cover large visible tattoos in public areas and avoid unnecessary physical contact with strangers.
The code extends beyond individual behaviour. Athletes are expected to maintain professional boundaries, with strict provisions against bullying, intimidation, harassment and inappropriate conduct.
Safeguarding has also been emphasised, with athletes expected to report concerns or inappropriate behaviour through designated team officials.
Another unusual but significant requirement concerns the documentation of an athlete’s coaching history. Athletes have been asked to provide accurate details of coaches who have contributed to their development at different stages—from grassroots and intermediate levels to the elite level.
The emphasis on integrity comes as India heads into the Games following a strong showing at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the country won a record 107 medals.
The Aichi-Nagoya Games will bring together around 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions, with 469 medal events across 43 sports.
For India’s contingent, therefore, the challenge in Japan will extend beyond performance on the field of play.
The message from the guidelines is clear: representing India at the Asian Games also carries responsibilities off the field—respecting the host country’s culture, maintaining professional conduct, protecting athlete welfare and upholding the integrity of sport.
