The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has accepted the results of the recent elections held in the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) and has recognised the Indian body as an affiliate. The GFI had been de-recognised by the Sports Ministry back in 2012 and subsequently by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), but following the November 5 elections the GFI is expected to be given recognition by the two bodies.
Earlier this month, Sudhir Mital, the former Competition Commission of India chairman, and Shantikumar Singh, were elected as the president and the general secretary respectively of the GFI. It, thus, drew an end to the long factionalism that had crept into the federation.
FIG secretary general Nicolas Buompane acknowledged the results and declared that Mital and Shantikumar had been elected unopposed. He further added, in a letter addressed to the GFI president, that the international governing council has recognized the Indian body.
The GFI had been de-recognised back in 2012 by the ministry, which meant that the body was not getting any financial assistance from the Centre for trials, camps or coaches. It left the organization with no funds and the national championships was cancelled as well, despite repeated requests from Olympics star Dipa Karmakar.
The gymnast was of the view that only a national championships would help the sport progress, but her words fell on deaf years, as the political in-fighting ceased to end.
With a new dawn, it is hoped that Indian gymnastics are able to avail the best of facilities and training so they can contribute in making the nation proud.