Infighting in federations hampers sports, says HC

THE Delhi High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the persistent internal disputes plaguing sporting federations in India, stating that such conflicts are detrimental to the growth of sports in the country.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ New Delhi

The court also underscored the importance of autonomy in sports governance, warning that infighting could lead to international disqualification.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela made these remarks while hearing an appeal by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) challenging a single judge's ruling concerning its electoral process.

The appeal was filed against an order that had stayed the federation's decision to permit only elected representatives from affiliated state units to vote in its upcoming elections.

During the proceedings, counsel representing the secretary and treasurer of the BFI contended that the appeal had been improperly filed, as it was instituted by the federation's president without requisite authority.

In response, the appellant's counsel maintained that the secretary and treasurer had been suspended, justifying the president's unilateral decision to proceed with the appeal.