Sports Ministry Warns IOA To Adhere To Olympic Charter With Regards To Indian Golf Union Elections
New Delhi,January 3, 2025 (ANI/PTI): The Sports Ministry has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to take steps to address irregularities in the recognition of Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections won by Harish Kumar Shetty-led faction.
In a letter dated January 2, the ministry expressed concerns over the IOA's decision to recognize the new body ahead of declaring another elected body led by Brijender Singh as void. The Sports Ministry also raised issues about the legitimacy of the elections conducted in non-compliance with the IGU constitution and Model Election Guidelines as contained in the Sports Code.
According to a source, the ministry pointed out that such actions may create avoidable duplication and confusion, which may not withstand legal scrutiny.
The Indian Golf Union held two AGMs on December 15, where two sets of office-bearers were elected. The Ministry has raised concerns about whether these elections and recognitions have been conducted fairly in accordance with the Olympic Charter and Sports Code.
As per the sources, the Bengal Golf Association had challenged Justice OP Garg's appointment as Returning Officer before the polls but their challenge was allowed by the Delhi High Court after which the polls went ahead under supervising.
“Two AGMs were held on December 15 and the result of these elections has already been presented to us for our approval in writing," said SPS Tomar, representative from Sports Ministry "However, we find that certain actions may have created avoidable duplication and confusion that may impact the future."
The International Golf Federation has recently updated its record with the newly elected persons in IGU elections. Hence, it appears that the facts of this election were being overlooked.
With regard to the conduct of elections by a member (IGU), a body (IOA), we must remember how Model Election Guidelines in Sports Code inter alia states the President to prepare Electoral College and then Returning Officer starts conducting election process that culminates with election of office bearers.