New Delhi, February 24 The Sports Ministry has asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to form ad-hoc committees to manage Karate and Handball in the country, citing "factionalism and a governance vacuum" in the administration of these sports as detrimental to athletes ahead of this year's Asian Games.
In letters addressed to IOA President P T Usha, the ministry stated that given that both Karate and handball are featured in this year's Asian Games roster, it is imperative that the governance of these sports is structured. A total of 56 medals are up for grabs in Karate, while handball will have six medals at the event in Japan.
The need for an ad-hoc body in Karate arose from the multiplicity of bodies claiming to be the national federation. In the case of handball, a Punjab and Haryana High Court order stayed the ministry's recognition of the Handball Association of India.
"Such a measure is indispensable to safeguard the preparation and progression of athletes within the Karate discipline, for the Asian Games and all other forthcoming international tournaments and championships, which are bound to suffer irreparably if immediate steps to establish a proper governance mechanism in the interim are not undertaken," the ministry stated.
"Handball...at present is adversely affected by internal disputes, factionalism, and ongoing legal and administrative proceedings...such circumstances have resulted in a lack of institutional clarity for athletes regarding the authorized body for conducting events."
"...multiple lawsuits have also been filed between rival bodies claiming authority at the national level," the letter regarding handball read.
The responsibilities of the committees will include the selection of athletes for international events until a "suitable Federation" is recognized by the Ministry.
Currently, the All India Karate-Do Federation (AIKDF), Karate Association of India (KAI), Karate India Organisation (KIO), Karate India, and The Karate Federation of India (TKFI) claim to be the governing authority for the sport.
"...the prevailing situation relating to the sport of Karate reflects serious governance deficiencies, including multiplicity of claimants, absence of a unified national structure, lack of institutional clarity for athletes, and uncertainty regarding the conduct of national and international events," the ministry's letter stated.
"...such circumstances have resulted in confusion among sportspersons and stakeholders, and have led to multiple lawsuits between rival bodies, thereby impairing orderly administration and development of the sport," it added.
The ministry stated that due to lack of governance and factional disputes, athletes are finding it extremely difficult to continue training in both disciplines.
Last year, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), through the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) scheme, had organized a 45-day coaching camp for 48 karatekas in Lucknow as part of their preparations for the Asian Games.
The 45-day camp featured 48 athletes, 12 coaches, and four support staff, and was sanctioned with financial assistance of Rs 1.42 crore under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme.
