No reason to doubt AFI polls: IAAF
19 Dec 2012 2:33 AM GMT
Faced with the Sports Ministry’s threat of de-recognition, the Athletics Federation of India has got a massive shot in the arm as the international body (IAAF) has made it clear that it continues to ‘recognise the current office-bearers of AFI’.
The sports ministry had quashed the election of the president, secretary and treasurer of the AFI earlier this month, and had asked the national sports federation (NSF) to hold fresh polls within 60 days, or before February 28, whichever is earlier. The ministry has also directed the AFI to amend its constitution, failing which it will withdraw recognition of the NSF.
But the IAAF stood firmly behind its member association and said it has no reason to follow in the footsteps of the Indian sports ministry.
‘The IAAF has no reason to doubt the results of the elections held by AFI earlier this year, so consequently also recognise the current office bearers. The IAAF will inform the Indian Ministry that this is our position,’ IAAF’s Deputy Secretary General and Director of Communication, Nic Davies said.
Earlier this month, the ministry had termed the April elections to the three key posts of AFI invalid.
Adille Sumariwala of Maharashtra was elected the president, CV Valson of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s Satyanarayan were elected secretary and treasurer, respectively.
IAAF maintained that the IOC’s move will have no effect on Indian athletes’ participation in events conducted by the world body.
‘The IAAF has noted the action of IOC regarding its NOC in India, but we do not want to mix this with something that is completely distinct,’ Davies said.
The sports ministry had quashed the election of the president, secretary and treasurer of the AFI earlier this month, and had asked the national sports federation (NSF) to hold fresh polls within 60 days, or before February 28, whichever is earlier. The ministry has also directed the AFI to amend its constitution, failing which it will withdraw recognition of the NSF.
But the IAAF stood firmly behind its member association and said it has no reason to follow in the footsteps of the Indian sports ministry.
‘The IAAF has no reason to doubt the results of the elections held by AFI earlier this year, so consequently also recognise the current office bearers. The IAAF will inform the Indian Ministry that this is our position,’ IAAF’s Deputy Secretary General and Director of Communication, Nic Davies said.
Earlier this month, the ministry had termed the April elections to the three key posts of AFI invalid.
Adille Sumariwala of Maharashtra was elected the president, CV Valson of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka’s Satyanarayan were elected secretary and treasurer, respectively.
IAAF maintained that the IOC’s move will have no effect on Indian athletes’ participation in events conducted by the world body.
‘The IAAF has noted the action of IOC regarding its NOC in India, but we do not want to mix this with something that is completely distinct,’ Davies said.
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