How IGU could have escaped derecognition

NEW DELHI: Had the Indian Golf Union (IGU) handled the infighting in the Tamil Nadu unit better, it could have escaped action by the sports ministry. The reasons behind the ministry derecognising golf’s governing body were non-compliance with the National Sports Code and failure to hold elections. IGU maintained it was restrained by the Delhi High Court after one of the factions in Tamil Nadu, seeking recognition as the state golf association, moved court in October last. Actually, it was IGU honorary secretary, Lt Gen AKS Chandele (retd), who postponed the AGM (till the matter was resolved) just before the matter was up for its first hearing.

Instead of legal recourse, the issue could have been resolved, had IGU had shown intent and clarity of thought. In March 2016, one of the factions, All Golf Clubs Association (AGCA), wrote to IGU seeking recognition. The other faction, Association of Golf Clubs and Golf Courses (AGCGC), followed suit and staked claim. After exchange of several emails, both Chandele and the then president, Anil Seolekar, agreed that AGCA be accorded recognition as “it fulfils all criteria”.

On June 19 last year, Chandele issued a letter granting affiliation to AGCA, which prompted AGCGC to move court just before elections were due to the IGU Council in October. Despite assurances by IGU to the court, little was done to resolve the matter. On April 14, Chandele wrote to the IGU Council informing that affiliation to AGCA stood withdrawn. “The letter was issued erroneously and is hereby cancelled….the IGU Governing Council will consider afresh the application received for affiliation, ensuring inter alia compliance with National Sports Code”.

Both the letters issued by Chandele were later contested at the IGU meeting on April 23 as unilateral decisions, but it does little to absolve IGU of blame and the way it handled the matter.