Indian Golf Union amends constitution to align with National Sports Governance Act

Addition of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) to the governing body, and the creation of a Dispute Resolution Committee were among the major amendments approved by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) to its Memorandum of Association (MoA), bringing it in line with the National Sports Governance Act.

The amendments were unanimously adopted at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) which was attended by a total of 20 State Golf Associations (SGAs) at the India Habitat Centre here on Monday.

Other major amendments included creation of an Internal Complaints Committee, Athletes' Committee and the Arbitration Commission.

"The IGU is totally committed to following the best practices of governance as enshrined in the new National Sports Governance Act," IGU president Brijinder Singh said.

The amendments also included modifications in IGU's existing election process, starting with the announcement of the electoral officer 90 days prior to the expiry of the term of the incumbent governing council.

Notification of the election date will be done 50 days prior to the expiry of the term and announcement of the final electoral roll will be at least 30 days prior to the expiry of the term.

The governing council will also prepare a Long-Term Development Plan for a four-year cycle to align with the NSG Act, passed by the Parliament last year.

The IGU will also publish the audited accounts within 30 days of its adoption by the General Assembly.

"We have over the years enjoyed full support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Government of India whether it is grassroots development, sending teams for international tournaments including the Summer Olympics and the Asian Games through the Annual Calendar for Training & Competitions (ACTC) or through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)," Singh said.

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