Archery Association's derecognition illegal: Malhotra

Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the Archery Association of India (AAI) president for 40 years, Friday termed as unconstitutional and arbitrary the sports ministry's decision to derecognise the national sports federation.

Malhotra, who was elected AAI chief in November for the 10th straight term, said that sports ministry had no right to derecognise the body.

"We have not violated any rule or law of the land and the decision is illegal," said Malhotra.

The 80-year-old said he was surprised at the government's argument that AAI had not adhered to the Sports Code of India.

"Sports code of the Government of India has no legal sanctity. It is not an Act, it is not a part of the constitution and there has not even been a Gazette notification about this so called code."

Malhotra said, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been emphasising that it is against the Sports Code and government intervention.

He lashed out at the ministry for misleading the public by churning out false information.

"Sports ministry says that Sports code is a virtual copy of the IOC charter which is factually incorrect.

"Today I received a letter from the IOC in which the world body has recognised me as the Acting President of the IOA. They are fully aware of my age and my tenure as AAI president. If I had violated the IOC charter they would not have written this letter to me."

Malhotra asserted the AAI elections were held as per the constitution. "Nominations were filled, there was no arbitrary rejection of any paper, proper time was given for canvassing . There were contests for several posts."

He said that archery's world body (FITA) has already conveyed its full support to AAI.

"Our archers will take part in the International Competitions under the tricolour."