The tussle for control of gymnastics in India shows no signs of abating, resulting in uncertainty over the gymnasts’ participation at the upcoming World Championships.
The selection trials for the same were held on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium here with a six-member squad — three men and women each — finalised. However, their participation in the October 4 to 14 event remains doubtful.
While the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) continues to be de-recognised, the international body (FIG) continues to back one of the factions as the authorised representative of the sport in the country.
The ministry had written to FIG explaining its stand and the formation of a committee by the IOA to oversee selection trials, but the latter refused to play ball.
“We would like to stress that ‘good governance and ‘fairness in sport’ are not empty words for us but something we constantly fight for. We have tried to support GFI and help resolve their internal problems which seem to be never ending.
“We have threatened GFI twice to suspend them should they not organise elections in time,” FIG secretary general Nicolas Buampane wrote on Saturday.
“The GFI, headed by Sudhakar Shetty, has been charging money for selection and nomination of athletes for competitive events and indulging in rampant favouritism.
“The stand taken by FIG is leading to protection and encouragement of malpractices, mis-governance and unethical practices by Shetty,” the ministry had written to FIG through its joint secretary Inder Dhamija last week.
“I am sure the FIG believes in good governance and fair practices by member NSFs.
“You are requested to take a holistic view and allow the committee formed by IOA to carry out selection trials. Shetty and GFI would attract penal action under the law in the event they use India flag or show the team representing India,” the mail further warned.
Going by the FIG response, however, the last of this battle has not been heard.
The World championships squad: Men: Ashish Kumar, Yogeshwar Singh, Aditya Singh Rana.
Women: Pranati Das, Pranati Nayak, Aruna Budda Reddy .
