Ministry throws sports-code book at boxing body

The Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) is the latest sports body to receive a directive from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs to follow the National Sports Code, which does not allow a president to continue beyond three terms. It also limits the tenure of other office-bearers to two terms.

The code, if implemented, would disqualify IBF president Abhay Singh Chautala, who has completed three terms, from contesting the elections to be held on Sunday.

Chautala is reportedly eyeing a post in the Indian Olympic Association, which is scheduled to go to polls shortly. But in order to do so he will have to be part of the executive committee of a national sports federation if he is to contest for the post in the IOA.

According to sources, IBF officials were trying to alter the constitution at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday in order to create a new post which would help Chautala stay within the executive committee. However, the ministry shot off a letter — written by under-secretary to the Government of India AK Patro — that made it clear that the IBF must adhere to the National Sports Code.

A change in constitution would enable IBF general secretary PK Muralidhar Raja, who has completed two terms, to be the front-runner for the post of CEO, while Chautala would be in the running as chairman — both newly-created posts.

"I am directed to say that from the agenda of the notice for the Annual General Meeting dated August 21, 2012, it is noted that the federation is proposing to amend the constitution to accommodate their outgoing president and also other such office bearers in other National Sports Federations," Patro wrote in his letter.

'Against the spirit'

... contd.

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