Indian archers may compete under neutral flag: Dielen

Kolkata, Sept. 17: Indian archers run the risk of competing under a neutral World Archery banner if the de- recognised national federation of the country ( AAI) fails to set its house in order soon, international body’s secretary general Tom Dielen has warned.

Dielen said they were against punishing the archers but described the ongoing deadlock in AAI as a concern ahead of the upcoming Olympic qualification tournaments.

The 2019 World Archery Championships, slated in June next year, will offer 24 berths to the top eight teams in both men’s and women’s sections, while there will also be continental qualification tournament next year.

“The current status quo cannot continue indefinitely. At a certain moment we might have to decide that the athletes participate under a neutral World Archery banner. The matter of main concern is the upcoming Olympic qualification tournaments,” the 50- year- old archer- tur ned- sports administrator said from Lausanne.

“At this stage, we’re are still enthusiastic that a resolution can be reached but this must happen soon. It’s our primary objective,” Dielen said.

“If it does not happen, then further steps will be taken. But those steps will not be designed to punish athletes. However, it is a constitutional requirement that a well- governed member association is in place within a country,” the secretary general said.

The AAI was derecognised by the Government of India in December 2012 for violating the Sports Code. Last year in August, the Delhi High Court appointed former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi as the administrator to get the constitution drafted and hold fresh elections but nothing has been done yet.

“Issues that impact the team organisation cannot be beneficial for the athletes,” Dielen said as India are still in the pursuit of a first- ever Olympic medal.

“It is only a matter of time until India wins an Olympic medal. Winning a medal in archery is not easy, but Indian athletes are talented enough to achieve a podium finish. It is simply a case of performing at the right time.”

There’s no dearth of talent in India, he added, hailing four- time World Cup Final silver medallist Deepika Kumari, who will compete in the meet for an incredible seventh time.

AAI’s current status quo cannot continue indefinitely. The matter of main concern is the upcoming Olympic qualification tournaments. — TOM DIELEN, World Archery secretary general