At 80, Malhotra wins 11th term as archery chief

Vijay Kumar Malhotra, 80, will continue to hold the reins of the Archery Association of India (AAI) for another four years. This will be his 11th term as president of the national federation. However, AAI will have a new secretary-general in Anil Khamini, who was elected unopposed to his post.

In fact, all of Malhtora's candidates -- one treasurer, eight vice-presidents and seven joint-secretaries -- swept the polls. Trilochan Singh, who was returned as senior vice-president of the federation, polled 71 votes to 19 by rival candidate G.L. Sharma, representing Manipur. Treasurer Virendra Shachdeva (Delhi) beat Shardhanand Das (Orissa) by a huge margin.

Malhotra hailed the sweeping of polls as a "victory for consistency." He said the entire team now looks forward to moving in a direction that will lift the standard of the game. Rao was, however apprehensive and blamed Malhotra for archery's plight in the last four decades. "I really think he has taken archery onto a dangerous path in his 40 year-rule. I am worried about our archers and sincerely hope they don't suffer," Rao added.

Asked what happens if government disaffiliates the AAI for disregarding its guidelines, Malhotra said there was no law which could prevent him from contesting. He, however, said it was never the case of treading the path of confrontation with the government. "I hope the new sports minister, as promised in his recent statement, would invite us for a discussion where things can be sorted out."

But Rao was hopeful that the government takes notice of Friday's election proceedings. "I hope the government takes a note of it. If the government doesn't de-recognise the newly-formed AAI, Clean Sports India will be compelled to go against the government," warned its convenor.

As for government representation, TEAMS director Radhica Sriman attended the proceedings. She said she would submit her report to the minister.

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