The Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) official machinery has gone into overdrive on the eve of the annual general meeting (AGM) of the federation, extolling the virtues of having Abhay Singh Chautala as its president.
But they are missing the larger issue; that Chautala has already completed three terms of four years each - the maximum stipulated by the government. Sources say that accommodating Chautala for a fourth term would be the main agenda during the executive meeting, which would be followed by the AGM and election of office-bearers.
Key IBF officials say that it was during Chautala's tenure that the country's pugilists came out all guns blazing in the international arena. IBF secretary-general PK Muralidharan Raja said that good work done by the president shouldn't be overlooked. "He (Chautala) had played a key role in filling the coffers of the federation. Without him the federation might collapse," he told HT from Patiala, the venue for the AGM.
If Raja, who too has completed his maximum two terms, is to be believed, then the Haryana politician has roped in several sponsors that had change the profile of boxing in the country. "Today, the federation has enough funds," he said.
{{/usCountry}}If Raja, who too has completed his maximum two terms, is to be believed, then the Haryana politician has roped in several sponsors that had change the profile of boxing in the country. "Today, the federation has enough funds," he said.
{{/usCountry}}The IBF had written to the sports ministry that they planned to amend the constitution (which would allow Chautala to continue at the top, possibly as chairman), but the proposal was rejected.
The ministry had directed the IBF to strictly follow its tenure guidelines.
AAI postpones elections
The Archery Association of India has decided to postpone its general body elections, slated for September 29 for various posts, by almost a month, to October 28.