IOA gets approval from FIS to run ski and snowboard in the country
IOA has announced that it has got the approval of the International Ski Federation (FIS) to run ski and snowboard in the country during FIS Congress held in Greece. In February, IOA had appointed an ad-hoc body to run ski and snowboard in the country which has resulted in eventual approval.
The Indian Olympic Association has announced that its recent decision to appoint an ad hoc body to run ski and snowboard in the country has got a stamp of approval from the international parent body of the sport. The IOA stated that the matter was discussed in the meeting of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Council during the FIS Congress held in Costa Navarino in Greece from May 13-19.
“The IOA was assigned as the governing body for the sport until the next election of the Winter Games Federation of India (WGFI) was held as per the norms of the Sports Code and the IOA Constitution,” the IOA said in a statement.
WGFI was established in India in 1984 to take care of the operations of winter sports in the country. It was for long perceived as the governing body for all winter sports. However, due to the formation of separate National Sports Federations for all Olympic winter sports, WGFI was reduced as the governing body for only ski and snowboard with affiliation to International Ski Federation (FIS).
In 2017, the Sports Ministry de-recognized WGFI for failing to comply with the directive to conduct another election. The consequences of not having an NSF were born by the athletes. In January this year, FIS also
Earlier this year during Winter Olympics in February, cross-country skier Jagdish Singh’s participation came into jeopardy due to the lack of proper federation to govern the game. To resolve all this mess, IOA constituted a six-member ad-Hoc Committee in February, which got the approval of FIS in its recent Congress.
“We sincerely appreciate that the Indian Olympic Association will ensure that ski and snowboard activities in and with the participation of Indian representation and most especially that the athletes are able to continue their participation in international competitions,” the FIS said in a letter to the IOA as quoted by scroll.in.
A formal ratification of the FIS decision is expected during the meeting of the Executive Council of IOA on June 2.
