Delhi HC overturns removal of taekwondo DOC for National Games

The Delhi High Court on Thursday set aside the removal of Taekwondo’s Director of Competition (DOC) for the National Games 2025 by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), ruling that the allegations of corruption against him lacked “cogent material.”

The National Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) removed DOC PaT Praveen Kumar on January 31, accusing him of accepting bribes to manipulate results in 10 of the 16 weight categories even before the competition began. He was replaced by S Dinesh Kumar.

While delivering the order, Justice Sachin Datta stated, “No rationale is disclosed for replacing the DOC who is not one of the technical officials, and has no role to play in adjudging fixtures.”

The GTCC’s decision was based on a report by the three-member Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Committee (PMCC), presided over by chairperson Sunaina Kumari, which recommended Kumar’s removal.

However, the court noted that the allegations, which dated back to 2012, lacked substantive evidence. “Neither of these complaints is accompanied by any cogent material and contains bare allegations. It is notable that the complaint dated 31.01.2025 refers to certain allegations for the period spanning as far back as 2012,” the order passed by Justice Datta stated. 

The IOA had supported the GTCC’s decision, and the PMCC had further suggested that at least 50 per cent of the nominated technical officials be replaced with duly qualified officials holding national or international certification.

The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), recognised as the national federation for the sport by the Delhi HC, challenged the GTCC and IOA’s decision in court.

The HC observed that the orders of January 31 by the GTCC and the IOA were influenced by their refusal to acknowledge TFI as the concerned National Sports Federation (NSF). The court ruled that this stance was inconsistent with prior orders dated December 24, 2024, and January 31, 2025.