New Delhi: Highlighting procedural shortcomings by the Sports Ministry in the recognition of the Indian Golf Union led by Brijinder Singh, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha has called upon Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to "revoke" the order.

The elections of the IGU have been mired in controversy, as two separate polls and Annual General Meetings (AGMs) took place on December 15, each overseen by different returning officers. While Usha has extended 'recognition' to the faction led by Harish Shetty, the Sports Ministry has expressed support for Singh’s group through a letter from Under Secretary Tarun Pareek.

In justifying her recognition of Shetty’s panel, Usha pointed out that his election, conducted under the oversight of Justice (retd) OP Garg as Returning Officer, saw participation from 21 out of 31 State Golf Associations (SGAs), in contrast to Singh’s group, which garnered attendance from only nine SGAs.

“Given that the necessary quorum was achieved and a legitimate meeting was conducted by the bylaws and constitution of the IGU, the IOA has recognized the election of the Office Bearers of the IGU at this meeting as valid,” she stated.

Usha further referenced Article 22 of the IGU Constitution to support her position. “This particular provision stipulates that a minimum of 10 SGAs must be present for a valid Annual General Meeting (AGM),” the letter emphasized.

Additionally, Usha criticized Pareek, labelling his December 28 letter that granted recognition to Singh’s panel as “procedurally flawed.”

“How this letter was issued seems procedurally incorrect and indicates a lack of fact verification and a complete disregard for due diligence by the Under Secretary,” she remarked.

In response to the ministry's assertion that the IOA’s recognition of the IGU elections contravenes the National Sports Code, Usha contended that the “concerns seem baseless.”

Usha also pointed out that National Sports Federations (NSFs) such as equestrian and yachting have not held elections since their terms ended nearly three years ago, yet they continue to receive recognition, which is a clear violation of the sports code.

“It is concerning that the Ministry has placed excessive importance on simply updating the International Golf Federation (IGF) website as a criterion for recognizing a faction of the Indian Golf Union (IGU). Such reliance on trivial aspects cannot serve as a legitimate basis for recognizing a National Sports Federation.”

“The inconsistent application of regulations erodes the integrity of sports governance in India and contradicts the principles of fair play that we strive to maintain. I anticipate your prompt intervention to resolve these issues,” she concluded.

Read Also: Mohammed Shami Poised for ODI Return Against England, Eyeing Champions Trophy Spot

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!