Ministry tells NSFs to amend constitution

The Sports Ministry on Friday issued a letter to all the National Sports Federations asking them to amend their constitution in accordance with the Sports Code by January 31, failing which their recognition by the Government might be withdrawn.

“The Government issued a letter to all the National Sports Federations today asking them to adopt the age and tenure provisions of the Sports Code. The concerned NSF is requested to expedite the process and bring the proposal for amendment in their next General Body Meeting,” said Sports Secretary P K Deb.

“The letter said this may be treated as most immediate and a reply in this regard may be sent by 31-1-2013. The NSFs are also advised that continuation of their recognition by the government may be impacted if the already agreed amendments are not carried out,” he added.

Regarding the suspended Indian Boxing Federation’s (IABF) claim to have taken the first step towards regaining recognition from the International Boxing Association by preparing the draft of an amended constitution which would be compliant with the AIBA statute, Deb said the Ministry would have to see whether it is in consonance with the Sports Code.

“Hopefully, IABF will send us the copy of the the draft of an amended constitution and we will have a look at it and check whether it is in consonance with the Sports Code.”

He also said the Ministry has written a letter to AIBA asking it make suitable arrangements for the Indian boxers to take part in upcoming international competitions. “At the moment we don’t have either IOA and IABF, who will send in the application of those competitions, who will select the team?”­ “So we have asked AIBA to put in a suitable arrangement so that our teams can participate preferably under our own flag,” said Deb.