New Delhi: Archery Association of India received a big boost as World Archery Federation (FITA) recoganized its elections and extend full support to it.
FITA decision is a shot in the arm of the AAI as the sports ministry has de-recoganized it saying it did not conform to the sports code of the government of India while holding its election
World Archery Federation’s Secretary General Tom Dielen in a letter to AAI President Vijay Kumar Malhotra said that the World Body approves of the election process and fully recoganizes the newly elected body of the association.
Dielen also disclosed that World Archery has already informed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about this decision.
In the letter to AAI President, Dielen said ” I was informed by AAI Secretary General Anil Kamineni that the Government (of India) is not accepting the outcome of the General Assembly claiming that it is not in compliance with Indian law, World Archery clearly states once more that the outcome of the general assembly is recognised by World Archery.
“The constitution of the Indian Archery Association is the only document that has relevance for the conduct of the general assembly and this document was respected. We have also informed the IOC of this matter.
Hailing the quick decision by FITA ,Prof Malhotra said it ends the uncertainty which Sports Ministry tried to create by arbitrarily and illegally de recognizing the AAI.
“World Archery Federation decision has vindicated our principled stand and I hope Government will also revoke its undemocratic decision “
“AAI’s elections were very transparent, fair and democratic. There was a contest for several posts including that of President. The whole process was as per the constitution of the Association” Prof Malhotra said in a statement.
He said with this decision there should be no confusion or ambiguity because Indian archers will continue to participate in the International competitions under the Tricolor.
He said AAI and other National Sports Federations (NSF) are facing a huge dilemma. On the one hand Sports Ministry says that there is a zero tolerance towards federations which do not accept the Sports Code and on the other hand IOC insists that there is a zero tolerance towards those who accept the Sports Code.
Prof Malhotra urged the government not to be rigid about the Code and said the early end to this impasse will be better for the Sports and sports persons of the country.
He thanked World Archery Federation for giving its unstinted support to AAI and said all the National Championships, competitions will be held as scheduled. We will continue to abide by our International commitment”
By Indian Sports News Network
