JOIN USArchery Association of India (AAI) called the government’s decision to derecognise it as illegal and demanded to immediately restore its recognition.
Malhotra said the government had no right to de-recognise the Association as it had not violated “any rule or law of the land.”
Malhotra said government sports code had no legal sanctity and was surprised they were asked to adhere to it.
“How can we accept Sports Code of the Government of India, it has no legal sanctity. It is not an Act, it is not a part of the constitution and there has not even been a gazette notification about this so called code,” Malhotra said in a statement.
Malhotra said he had the support of IOC as well as Archery’s World Body (FITA).
“Today I received a letter from the IOC in which the world body has recognised me as the Acting President of the IOA. They are fully aware of my age and my tenure as AAI president. If I had violated the IOC charter they would not have written this letter to me,” Malhotra said.
Malhotra said the AAI elections were held as per the constitution. “Nominations were filled, there was no arbitrary rejection of any paper, proper time was given for canvassing. There were contests for several posts. Elections were held in open before the media.”
“I am surprised that sports minister held a press conference to announce de-recognition of AAI but did not give the correct picture to the media.”
“Sports ministry says that sports code is a virtual copy of the IOC charter which is factually incorrect.”
Malhotra assured the players their interest would be protected. “In no way we will let there interest suffer. Our archers will take part in the international competitions under the tricolour.”
Malhotra said unlike sports ministry even his opponents appreciated his contribution.
“The sports ministry keeps on stressing that I have been head of the AAI for 40 years but it conveniently ignores the fact that I have also been in politics for the last 60 years, I have been a member of Lok Sabha four times, member of Rajya Sabha once, currently leader of opposition in Delhi Assembly, have been member of the then Delhi Metropolitan council several times. Even my rivals praise me for being getting elected repeatedly.”