Indian Golf Union gets govt lifeline to put house in order

NEWDELHI:AFTER the Sports Ministry gave interim recognition to the Indian Golf Union (IGU) for three months in July, the national federation has got more time to puts its house in order. Sports secretary Rahul Bhatnagar said the ministry has extended recognition till the end of December after IGU president Lt Gen D Anbu sought more time.

After being derecognised in April for non-compliance with the National Sport Code, IGU, at its EGM in June, met the ministry’s demand to amend its constitution and then-president Wg Cdr Satish Aparajit (retd) stepped down as his term had ended.

IGU applied for renewal of annual recognition in July. Interim recognition was given till the end of October, during which IGU had to hold elections for all other posts and get the amended constitution registered with the Registrar of Societies in Kolkata. While the IGU enjoys a breather, a petition filed by Shyam Sunder under the Right to Information Act questioned the ministry granting interim recognition in July, claiming there is no such provision under the National Sports Code. Two ministry officials were against grant of interim recognition.

Under-secretary AK Singh said: “…Especially when no pressing need has been put on record for such an action (interim recognition), IGU may be advised to conduct elections and approach the Ministry for annual recognition.”

IGU miss this lifeline, a highprofile sport like golf will have a tarnished image.