FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has issued a strongly-worded advisory to all participating nations to refrain from competing in the basketball competitions of the 12th SAG to be held here from February 11 to 16.
The advisory has been issued in accordance with the unanimous decision taken by the FIBA Asian Board meeting on January 30, taking cognizance of the unacceptable interference of the Indian Olympic Association in affairs relating to the Basketball Federation of India, duly recognised by the world body.
The two-page advisory dated February 2, 2016 and issued by FIBA secretary-general Patrick Baumann to the national basketball federations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka says: “the IOA as well as the State authorities in charge of sport in India have continuously failed to recognise the Basketball Federation of India, duly recognised by FIBA and despite the several correspondences issued to the authorities in India… In view of the seriousness of the matter, you are, therefore, requested to refrain from sending any of your national teams.”
Reacting to the letter, Organising Committee secretary-general Injeti Srinivas termed the unexpected development as “unfortunate”. “We have been advising the Indian Olympic Association to strike a conciliatory note by taking both the factions of the BFI on board. But they never heeded our advice.”
IOA joint secretary Rakesh Gupta said he was unaware of any such advisory. This is the first time I am hearing about it. We will have an internal discussion soon and find a way forward.”
