Archery Association Adopts National Sports Code

After defying the National Sports Development Code (NSDC) for years, the Archery Association of India (AAI) has finally adopted the code.

It has now paved the way for regaining its recognition from the Indian government.

In a meeting in Delhi, the AAI general council, comprising 25 members from different state units, adopted the NSDC, which promotes good governance and transparency, into its constitution.

The amendments included all the age and tenure-related clauses – such as 70 years as the upper age limit, 12 years’ term and cooling off period, etc. – relating to a candidate’s eligibility to be an office-bearer.

Besides, a doping-related article suggested by the World Archery Federation has been adopted into the laws of the game.

In December 2012, the Union Sports Ministry had de-recognised the AAI for not following the NSDC in its elections. In defiance of the government guidelines, the AAI had chosen seasoned sports administrator V. K. Malhotra as its president, violating the tenure and age restrictions.