AAI fiasco results in India missing Asia Cup
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The Indian archers suffered another setback as they were unable to participate in the ongoing Asia Cup as a result of the controversy that surrounds the suspended AAI. Appointment of the transitory committee is pending a court case, which may cause India to keep missing major tournaments.
Indian archers’ problems enroute next year’s Olympics continue as they failed to participate in the Asia Cup world ranking tournament in New Clark City, Philippines, amidst the organizational debacles in the Archery Association of India.
The world governing body of the sport, World Archery, had last month suspended the AAI on account of defying its guidelines, only recognizing its right to select Indian participants up until the World Youth Championships held from the 19th to the 25th of August.Â
A transitory committee had then been formed, which had been recognized both by the world body and the Delhi High Court, to conduct trials and other such procedures. However, Justice Ahmad was appointed as the chairman following which the IOA filed a case in the Supreme Court citing Olympic charter’s policy of no external interference.
Between all this mess, it is the players who are undergoing hard times as the Asia Cup Stage 3, held from September 10th till the 15th, saw no Indian participation even though trials had been conducted last month by the SAI. The tournament would have served as a suitable platform for preparing for November’s Asian Championships in Bangkok, which will also act as the continental qualifiers for the Olympics.
World Archery has set September 25 as the deadline for submitting the final list of players that will be taking part in the competition, but the trials are yet to be organized.
