NEW DELHI: Hockey India’s decision to disband a camp in Bhopal after 50 out of 55 probables were found to be overage shows that sport authorities have finally started to take the menace seriously.

The issue, which was for years pushed under the carpet, has taken such a proportion that it is now being described as a problem as bad as doping.

“We have made it mandatory from this year that every athlete at the national camps will have to undergo x-ray tests to determine their age. So it’s unlikely that any overage player can get into any team based on a false certificate,” said Subrata Dutta, senior vice president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The AIFF’s decision to take the aid of medical tests came in the wake of several complaints in the past regarding presence of overage players in the camps. In fact, earlier this year, 16 players were thrown out after being found overage at the national U-16 camp in Goa.

Some other federations are now claiming that they are taking serious steps to stem the rot. “We have decided to ban the respective state association if three or more players are found to be overage. There’s also a provision for fines for such offences,” said Lalit Bhanot, secretary of Athletic Federation of India.

Bhanot said the punitive measures act as a deterrent but admitted that it would take a lot of time to weed out the problem. “It’s a long process and quite difficult too. You can take certain steps which act as a deterrent, but can’t completely put an end to it. I would say it is difficult to rid the system of the doping and overage ills.”

Some senior sports officials said that the pressure from international bodies has played a big role in forcing the federations to take the issue seriously. “The international boxing federation’s rules prescribe banning of those associations (countries) which field three or more overage players in any competition,” said an Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) official. The IBF disqualified 46 overage boxers at the youth national championships in Coimbatore earlier this month.

Though the federations claim that they are doing their bit to check the menace, sources put part of the blame on Sports Authority of India (SAI). “Several SAI centres have overage players. Several coaches are also involved in encouraging older players to compete in age-group events. The lust for medals and awards is overwhelming,” a federation official said requesting anonymity.

Several probables at the disbanded hockey camp in Bhopal were from SAI centres. “We are awaiting a report from our Bhopal office. Appropriate action will be taken if anybody is found guilty. The law will take its course,” senior SAI official Praveer Krishn said on Wednesday.

OVERAGE SPILLS OVER ( Some recent cases )

Hockey: Camp for junior Asia Cup suspended after 50 out of 55 probables were found to be overage.

Hockey: There were allegations that India fielded at least six “seniors” in the junior Asia Cup in July last year.

Boxing: 46 boxers were found overage in the 42nd Youth National Men’s Championships in Coimbatore earlier this year.

Football: 16 players were sent home after being found overage at the national under-16 camp in Goa.

Volleyball: Nine players were ejected from the 35th junior National volleyball championship.

Athletics: AFI reportedly banned a gold medal winner for being overage in the junior nationals.