PANJIM: The battle over the legalities of the existing office bearers of two leading sporting bodies viz the All India Football Federation (AIFF), governed by FIFA and Hockey India, who come under the world governing body for hockey, FIH, for not toeing the line of holding proper elections in accordance with the guidelines laid down by them and the sports code laid down by the Government of India.
Closer to home, Goa, an even more exciting battle is on the cards with the vice president of the Table Tennis Federation of India and Goa’s very own TT star of yesteryear Vero Nunes, formerly complaining to the Returning Officer, Adv. Gaurang Panandikar, on the illegality of the recently held Goa Olympic Association (GOA) elections on July 15.
Nunes complained to the acting President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Anil Khanna on the manner in which GOA were holding their elections. Mr. Khanna brought it to the notice of Union Minister and Goa Olympic Association President Shripad Naik on July 11. The latter is said to have instructed the Returning Officer Adv. Panandikar that only those candidates compliant with the provisions of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) constitution should be included in the list of valid nominations. However, the IOA letter was cleverly swept under the carpet and GOA went ahead with the elections.
Regulations clearly state that every National Sports Federation and the Indian Olympic Association and their affiliates strictly adhere to the National Sports Code and not abuse it.
However, the Sports Ministry, it is believed, has left the onus on National Sports Federations (NSF) and the Indian Olympic Association to deal with the respective state association flouting the sports code.
One of the Sports Code rule clearly states that a member cannot hold the post of General Secretary or Treasurer for more than two consecutive terms, but can contest for the post of President after completion of two terms subject to age not more than 70 years.
“Significantly, Gurudutta Bakta has been the General Secretary for more than four successive terms and therefore stands ineligible to contest elections. However, in violation of the provision of the regulations of the national sports code and that of its parent body, the IOA, Bakta got himself re-elected as General Secretary of GOA,” said Nunes.
Bakta, however, said the National Sports Code is not applicable to the state associations and false rumours are being spread. “I once again repeat the National Sports Code is applicable only the NSFs which are recognised by Ministry of Sports Government of India and IOA. The Sports Code does not apply to the State Olympic Associations,” said Bhatra.
“It’s over a decade now that the Goa Olympic Association has failed to make headway to host the National Games in Goa. To worsen matters, the illegal elections, is likely to attract adverse publicity to the State vis-a-vis promotion of Sports in Goa,” said a member of GOA, who preferred anonymity.
Refuting the above, Bhatra said that the government of Goa is responsible for holding the National Games, which are now moved to Gujarat.
