The Archery Association of India, which had been de-recognised by the Union Sports Ministry for violating the National Sports Code, got some consolation on Sunday with the World Archery Federation (FITA) approving the “outcome” of the Indian body’s general assembly. The AAI had held its elections during its last general assembly on November 9 and re-elected V.K. Malhotra its president.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had directed the AAI to hold its elections as per its own constitution as well as the Sports Code.
The Sports Ministry on Friday de-recognised the AAI on the grounds that it violated the age and tenure restrictions of the Sports Code by electing Malhotra, who had crossed the age limit of 70 years and had been holding the president’s office for four decades.
However, FITA’s assurance came as a morale-booster for the AAI.
FITA secretary-general Tom Dielen, in a letter addressed to the AAI president, said: “…the outcome of the general assembly is recognised by World Archery. The constitution of the AAI 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.”
Malhotra hailed the FITA stand. “World Archery has vindicated our principled stand and I hope the Government will revoke its undemocratic decision. AAI’s elections were very transparent, fair and democratic. There was a contest for several posts including that of the president. The whole process was as per the constitution of the AAI,” Malhotra said in a statement. — Principal Correspondent
