New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) The sports ministry Saturday issued a national code to check age fraud in sports.

The National Code against Age Fraud in Sports aims at ensuring fair play. The Code will be operative from April 1 and shall be binding upon all athletes and sports bodies, the ministry said in a statement.

As per the code, all new and existing players participating in age restricted tournaments will be required to once undergo a compulsory medical examination for age determination after which they will be issued an identity card by the Sports Authority of India (SAI)/National Sports Federation (NSFs) concerned.

'Once an I-Card is issued, fresh medical examination will not be required for subsequent participation. Any existing athlete found to be overage, will have the option to appeal and in case he/she is found to be overage even after going through the appeal process, he/she shall not be allowed to participate in the competitions meant for lower age groups.

'SAI will notify a panel of doctors and hospitals state/region wise for carrying out the medical examination and also the list of appellate panel of hospitals.'

The cost for medical examination conducted by SAI and NSFs shall be reimbursed by the government. Compliance with the Code will become part of the eligibility criteria for recognition of NSF by the government.

'Non-compliance with the code will attract suspension/de-recognition clause in respect of the defaulting Federations,' the statement said.