Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has called on Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to “recall” the order. Citing procedural errors made by the Sports Ministry in recognising the Indian Golf Union, led by Brijinder Singh. Two votes and AGMs were conducted on December 15 under different returning officers. The IGU elections have been cloaked in controversy. In a letter signed by Under Secretary Tarun Pareek, the sports ministry has supported Singh’s faction.
Even though Usha has given Harish Shetty’s group “recognition.” Usha gave reasons for recognising Shetty’s panel, stating that although Singh’s group only had involvement from nine State Golf Associations (SGAs). His election was overseen by Justice (retd) OP Garg as a Returning Officer. He had 21 of the 31 SGAs present. Usha also aimed Pareek, calling his letter from December 28th, which recognised Singh’s panel, “procedurally incorrect.”
Usha addressed the ministry’s worries that the National Sports Code is broken by IOA’s acceptance of IGU elections, saying the “concerns appear unfounded.” PT Usha also pointed out that NSFs. Yachting and equestrians have not held elections since their terms ended nearly three years ago. Yet they are still recognised despite this blatant disregard for the sports code. Additionally, the IOA president supported her position by citing Article 22 of the IGU Constitution.
Sports Ministry Accused of Bias Decisions
The letter noted This specific provision mandates the presence of a minimum of 10 SGAs for a valid Annual General Meeting (AGM). In reply, PT Usha said, How this letter has been issued appears procedurally incorrect and reflects a lack of verification of the facts on record and a complete non-application of mind by the Under Secretary. It is troubling that the Ministry has placed undue emphasis on merely updating the International Golf Federation (IGF).
“The website is a basis for granting recognition to the faction of IGU. Such reliance on superficial factors cannot be the foundation for granting recognition to a National Sports Federation. The selective application of norms undermines the credibility of sports governance in India and the spirit of fair play that we aim to uphold.”
