New Delhi, September 14: With the Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) losing its recognition from the Indian government due to corrupt practices within the organisation, the Sports Ministry has requested the Federation Internationale de Gymnatisque (FIG) to allow the committee of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to select Indian athletes for the upcoming World Championship in Artistic Gymnastics. The World Championship is scheduled to be held in Stuttgart, Germany from October 4 to 13. Hima Das Named in India’s 25-Member Relay Squad for IAAF World Championships 2019.

In a letter dated September 11, Joint Secretary of Sports Ministry Inder Dhamija stated that the GFI is not recognised by the Government of India because of misgovernance, favouritism and factionalism in the organisation. "As per prevailing convention, in the event of there being no recognised National Sports Federation (NSF), as in the case of GFI, the IOA forms a committee, which carries out selection trials."

"The GFI headed by Sudhakar Shetty is charging money for selection and nomination of athletes for competitive events and indulging in rampant favouritism. The stand taken by the FIG vide above referred email (dated September 2) is leading to protection and encouragement to malpractices, misgovernance and unethical practices by Shri Shetty," added the letter addressed to FIG Secretary-General Nicolas Buampane.

In the letter, the Joint Secretary further stated that Shetty and GFI would both attract penal action under the law in the event they use the Indian flag or show the team representing India in the World Championship.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2019 11:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).