Reports | Derecognised NSAs cannot represent India, says sports ministry

Reports | Derecognised NSAs cannot represent India, says sports ministry

The sports ministry has announced that the Indian athletes whose National Sports Associations (NSA) are derecognised by the ministry for any reasons would not be able to represent the country at the international competitions. They will not be able to use the title ‘Indian’ in their names as well.

There are 4 NSAs which are derecognised now - shooting ball, taekwondo, archery and gymnastics. Thus, the individuals who have prepared to participate in the FIG Individual Apparatus World Cup in Cottbus, Germany from November 22-25 would not be able to perform as ‘Indians’ and might have to perform as a participant of the international gymnastics body - The FIG. 

The Gymnastics and Taekwondo fall in the ‘priority’ zone of the ministry while the Archery falls in ‘high priority’ while the Sambo and Kurash federations have never even been recognised by the ministry. 

The Indian archers could also face similar difficulties as of the gymnasts in the upcoming World Indoor Archery Series in Macau, Rome and Las Vegas in December and also in the Asia Cup which is scheduled to be held in Bangkok in February next year. 

In the Circular, the ministry stated, “It has been decided that such bodies, which have not been recognised by the government or sports federations whose recognition has been withdrawn/suspended shall not use India or Indian in their name.”

“Further, Temporary discontinuation of recognition for non-conformity to procedural requirements shall not attract the restriction to use or ‘India’ or ‘Indian’ in the name of an NSF. However, if the organisation fails to complete the formalities within 6 months of the expiry of the recognition, then it will not be considered in the temporary transition status and will lose the right to the expression ‘India’ or ‘Indian’.” 

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