Randhir Singh Calls for Policy Overhaul on Sports Federation Tenures

Former shooter and veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh urged the government to reconsider its policy limiting sports federation officials' tenure to 12 years. He argued that this restriction hampers Indian sports administrators from gaining significant roles in international bodies. Singh also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Olympic Charter to avoid political and judicial interference.

Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh has called on the government to review its policy limiting the tenure of elected sports federation officials to three terms of four years each. Singh views this restriction as a considerable obstacle preventing Indian sports administrators from obtaining influential roles in international sports bodies.

Current regulations cap a National Sports Federation (NSF) chief's service at 12 years. Singh, who is poised to be elected unopposed as president of the Olympic Council of Asia, noted that only four Indians currently head Asian sports bodies, reflecting a poor continental representation.

Singh stressed the need for extended tenure to build necessary international relationships and influence. He urged the government to allow the Indian Olympic Association and NSFs to operate according to the Olympic Charter, cautioning against political and judicial interference.

(With inputs from agencies.)