World Archery could lift AAI suspension if rapid progress is observed

The World Archery body made it clear that they will not tolerate any violation of guidelines as they suspended the Archery Association of India (AAI) a few days ago. The international body made the decision after the Indian federation defied its guidelines by electing two parallel bodies. However, in a recent letter written by WA secretary general Tom Dielen to IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta, the former mentioned that the WA will temporarily lift the ban implemented on AAI if they show rapid progress in the establishment of a concrete roadmap. 

“If rapid progress is made and a clear roadmap is established by the end of August, World Archery might conditionally lift the suspension by the end of this month.

“We ask the Indian Olympic Association Secretary General to coordinate with the chairman to get the committee established as soon as possible. This roadmap will have to be approved by World Archery for the suspension to be lifted,” Dielen wrote in the letter to Mehta, a copy of which is in possession with PTI.

In addition to that, WA further recommended four names to form a transitory committee – Mehta from IOA, R Rajagopal from the Sports Ministry, while BVP Rao and Virendra Sachdeva from the two AAI bodies. 

This transition committee is tasked to prepare a roadmap for the AAI and conduct a new election as well as a Constitution that respects both the Indian Sports Code and the World Archery Constitution.

“The committee is constituted to ensure Archery Association of India once again enjoys good standing with World Archery Federation so that our Archers are permitted to represent India under Indian flag in the forthcoming qualifying tournaments & Tokyo Olympics,” Mehta tweeted.