AITA might lose government recognition due to faulty election process

AITA in serious trouble?

The Sports Ministry might derecognise the All India Tennis Association (AITA) as they did not follow their directive to remove Anil Khanna as the body’s President. They were also asked to conduct a re-election for the position.

Khanna, who was elected in June 2012 broke the National Sports Development Code guidelines as he had worked as a Secretary with AITA in two previous terms.

Ministry sources said, “A mandatory cooling-off period of four years was necessary between terms. Khanna would now administer the sport for 20 continuous years as he can serve three consecutive terms of four years each as president."

Further inactivity on the matter might force the government to seize all financial grants directed towards the association.

Sources added, “Continuation of recognition beyond March 2015 depends on whether AITA is able to resolve the election to the post of president."

With the Olympics, just a year away, funding for players could become an issues if deadlines are not adhered to.