West Bengal’s Rathin Roy Choudhary was named ad hoc president of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) at its AGM here on Sunday.
With the Delhi High Court to post its orders on the validity of the earlier election on February 15, 2018, Roy Choudhary will hold the post until the time.
The AGM on Sunday was marred by protests by “representatives of a few State Associations” who were not allowed inside the hall.
The Delhi HC, in its order on April 27, had called for the results of the VFI elections held in Chennai on April 11, 2016, to be upheld for all posts on the executive body, save for S. Vasudevan’s elevation as president.
It is to be noted that the VFI, under the faction led by secretary-general Ramavtar Singh Jakhar, has the recognition of the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry after the HC order.
The Jakhar-faction also claims to have the support of majority of members.
The International body, FIVB, though, while insisting that it respects the Delhi HC order, maintained that VFI’s suspension stays.
The FIVB letter dated August 22 had said: “The FIVB emphasises that the position of the President of the VFI is currently vacant as the term of [Avadesh Choudhary] Kumar has expired by his own admission in July 2017.
“The FIVB is also aware of the petition before the Delhi High Court seeking recognition of the elections held in 2016 for the office of President. Consequently the office of President is the only vacant position among the VFI office-bearers.”
“Summarising the circumstances, all of the relevant stakeholders in India recognise the above-mentioned office-bearers under Indian law. Consequently, the FIVB recognises that the above office-bearers are the current office-bearers of VFI under Indian law.”
The International body further said it would inform its Board of Administration to consider lifting of the provisional suspension on the VFI after the office of president is filled in accordance with Indian law.
No Indian team has participated in any major International tournament since differences emerged between president and secretary-general two years back.
