The Union Sports Ministry on Friday de-recognised the Archery Association of India (AAI), headed by the octogenarian Vijay Kumar Malhotra, and suspended the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) for violating provisions of the National Sports Code.
The IABF was also suspended by the international federation (AIBA) on Thursday for “potential irregularities” in its elections held at Patiala last September.
The former IABF president, Abhay Singh Chautala, told reporters that the boxing federation was prepared to hold re-elections and he would be ready to step down as chairman, a post that was created only recently for his benefit.
Mr. Malhotra challenged the government’s decision to de-recognise his federation and termed it “illegal.”
Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh, who announced these decisions, said Mr. Malhotra had violated the tenure and age restrictions set forth in the National Sports Code. He said the Ministry was keen on protecting the athletes’ interests in international competitions.
