The International Golf Federation (IGF) expressed strong disapproval towards the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for interfering in the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections. In a letter to IOA president PT Usha, IGF’s executive director, Antony Scanlon, extended recognition to the IGU led by Brijender Singh and urged IOA to follow the Olympic charter in affiliating the body.
Election controversy in Golf Union
The IGU elections faced issues as two groups held separate elections at different venues in New Delhi on December 15. Brijender Singh was re-elected as president at the India Habitat Centre, with retired high court judge Rameshwar Malik overseeing the process. The IGF reported this matter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), criticising IOA for supporting an unconstitutional faction and hosting alternative elections.
Conflicting recognitions and concerns
The IOA and the Sports Ministry recognised different leaders. IOA acknowledged Harish Kumar Shetty’s bloc, while the Sports Ministry backed Singh’s election, which was pending a court case. Scanlon mentioned that the IGF found no problems with the elections at the India Habitat Centre and fully supported the office bearers elected there. He emphasised that IOA has no jurisdiction over the IGU’s electoral process.
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Call to action from IOA
Scanlon urged IOA to correct its actions quickly, as recognizing another executive body goes against the Olympic Charter. He also expressed disappointment about golf being removed from the National Games, arguing that it unfairly penalizes athletes due to political issues. He called on the IOA to prioritize athletes’ interests over personal and political agendas, encouraging the development of high-performance sports.
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