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Journalism of Courage
Though the Delhi High Court has barred Vijay Kumar Malhotra,whose reign as Archery Association of India (AAI) president extends to 37 years,from contesting the September 29 elections,those in the know say that a change of guard is unlikely.
This is because the National Sports Development Code (NSDC),which restricts the term of the president to three terms,is in conflict with the guidelines of the international archery federation,under whose aegis the AAI functions.
A day after the Delhi High Court asked the AAI to conduct elections according to the NSDC,Vijay Kumar Malhotra told The Indian Express: Weve been asked to conduct the elections as per our constitution and at the same time we cant disregard the code. Both are in conflict with each other.
A final call on whether or not Malhotra will stand for the presidents post will be taken closer to the election date. If Malhotra does contest for the presidents post,then the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs may de-recognise the AAI,which in turn means that it stands to lose out on grants.
Stating that the federation will not bow down to the threat of de-recognition,Malhotra said,The point is these guidelines (NSDC) have been there since 1975. We were de-recognised in 1986. If they were to do the same again,let them do it. Our point is very clear,we are affiliated to the international body, he added.
Malhotra also added that the AAI was ready to bear the costs of sending teams to international events. We can send teams on our own.
