Now we are targeting Tokyo Olympic medal: Chandurkar

Nagpur, Nov 25

Elated over getting the recognition to Archery Association of India (AAI) after almost one decade by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, its secretary Pramod Chandurkar said after overcoming all legal hurdles now the association will be aiming for the medal in the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics.

Talking to Lokmat Times, Amravati-based Chandurkar said, " I am very happy that we got the recognition today after almost one decade. Now the efforts will be made to give an identity to India in archery in the entire world. Our national president Arjun Munda has welcomed the decision and said now the archers will perform with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Even after a lot of hurdles, the election of AAI was conducted on the orders of Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. We have already started the selection trials for the Tokyo Olympcis soon. The new chapter has begun im Indian archery. Thanks to all”, he said.

It can be mentioned here that the government had withdrawn the recognition of AAI in 2012 on account of failure to conduct its elections in accordance with the National Sports Development Code of India 2011, despite directives of Delhi High Court. Since then the matter was under litigation before Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. Then the court appointed the former chief secretary of Government of NTC as returning officer to conduct the election. After settlement of certain issues, Tripathi conducted the election on January 18, 2020. The result was examined in the light of this sports code provisions on age and tenure restrictions and restriction on government servant for holding effective posts in National Sports Federations and it was decided to accept the elections of AAI held on January 18, 2020. Accordingly union minister Arjun Munda was elected president for the four year term (2020-2024) Pramod Chandurkar and Rajendra Singhh Tomar will continue as general secretary and treasurer respectively. After conduct of the above said election of AAI, World Archery Federation also lifted the suspension of AAI.