In a shocking development in the state sports circle, the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA) has given voting rights to Maharashtra State Basketball Association (MSBA) which was suspended by Basketball Federation of India (BFI) two years back.
The MOA secretary Balaseheb Landge has issued the primary list of authorised sports associations that are eligible to cast their votes in the MOA election. As many as 27 state associations including Maharashtra State Basketball Association, Maharashtra Athletics Association, Maharashtra Badminton Association, Maharashtra Boxing Association, The Western India Football Association, Maharashtra Amateuru Gymnastic Association, Handball Association of Maharashtra, Hockey Maharashtra, Maharashtra Judo Association, Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association, Maharashtra Kho Kho Association,, Maharashtra state Lawn Tennis Association, Maharashtra Rifle Associaiton, Maharashtra Rowing Association, Swimming Association of Maharashtra, Maharashtra State Table Tennis Association, Maharashtra Triathlon Association, Taekwon-Do Association, Maharashtra Volleyball Association, Maharashtra Wrestling Association,, Maharashtra State Fencing Association, All Maharashtra Wushu Association,Modern Pentathlon Association of Maharashtra and Rugby Association of Maharashtra .
The million dollar question is how MOA can give voting rights to MSBA even after their suspension by BFI two years back. Former MSBA vice-president and Shiv Chhhatrapati awardee Shatrughna Gokhale has raised the strong objection over MSBA move. While talking to Lokmat Times Gokhale said, " It is surprising that MOA is not aware that MSBA is suspended by BFI. Only state associations which are recognised by the national federations can get MOA affiliation. Then how can MSBA become eligible to cast the vote", he questioned.
Gokhale also said till today MSBA don't possess Charity Registration Certificate. On the basis of Order passed by Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench, an Ad-hoc committee was appointed by Basketball Federation of India who conducted all the State Basketball Championships since then. Even the Government of Maharashtra awarded the Sports grace marks to basketball players who participated in State championship's s conducted by BFI's Ad Hoc Committee ".
Gokhale also said on March 23, 2019 he sent this reminder to MOA thru an email but they have not taken an action so far.
In this regard when contacted MOA secretary Balasahheb Landge he said the matter will be discussed in the executive committee meeting.