Sports ministry de-recognises archery association

"The Archery Association of India held its elections on 09.11.2012. While the procedures adopted in the elections were in conformity with the procedures laid down in the Sports Code and common practice, the Archery Association has violated the age and tenure restrictions prescribed in the Sports Code," Sports Minister Jitendra Singh told reporters during a press conference here.u00a0

"The President elect of the Archery Association of India has served for more than three consecutive terms in the past and is also above the age of 70 years. "The High Court in its Civil Writ Petition No.195/2010 dated 15.02.2012 and 17.09.2012 had directed that the government shall not grant recognition to the Archery Association of India unless they hold elections as per the Sports Code. In view of the directions of the High Court, the government has no option but to withdraw the recognition of the Archery Association of India," the minister said.

During its elections last month, octogenarian BJP leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra was re-elected as the president of the AAI for the 10th term which means he will retain the position for an unprecendented 40th year, a gross violation of the age and tenure guidelines under the Sports Code.

The Sports Minister has advised the AAI to hold fresh elections for the post of president, in conformity with the Sports Code. Jitendra has also asked the AAI to amend its constitution to bring it in conformity with the Sports Code and the Olympic Charter.u00a0