Ever since the sports ministry refused to renew the recognition of Indian Golf Union—the sport's governing body in the country—starting April for conforming to the National Sports Code, clouds of uncertainty have been hovering over the Indian golf team ahead of the Asian Games in Jakarta in August.
The matter pertaining to IGU's proposed amendments to its constitution is currently subjudice. As the team takes part in the week-long preparatory camp in Jakarta, it is learnt from an official source that the team, along with the coach and the manager, was cleared by the ministry at the last minute. In the absence of a duly recognised national sports federation (NSF), the SAI “selected” the coach Amandeep Johl—a former Asian Tour player and high performance director of the IGU. Also, due to the absence of the IGU, the team has also, reportedly, got two managers—one selected by the SAI (its own officer) and the other, sent by the IGU to assist the former. According to sources, Johl has been designated team coach only for this preparatory camp. The IGU is hopeful that it will have its own support staff in place for the Asian Games.
Helmed by India's number one and world number 17 amateur Rayhan Thomas, the men's team, which includes Kshitij Naved Kaul, Aadil Bedi and Harimohan Singh, will be looking to win a medal. India last won a medal in the 2010 edition where the men's team won the silver. The women's team comprises Sifat Sagoo, Ridhima Dilawari and Diksha Dagar. All the contenders for the golf team had to play a gruelling six-round trial.
The coach's selection is usually the prerogative of the NSF. The SAI, which funds and appoints a host of national and foreign coaches, approves the recommendation and the fees involved. While Johl's credentials are not in question here, his appointment by the SAI, reportedly, without consulting the IGU has raised many eyebrows. Interestingly, Johl's contract as high performance director had not been extended by the IGU.
“We (the IGU) are on a sticky wicket and have no control over the situation due to the derecognition,” Wng Cdr Satish Aparajit (retd.), president of the IGU, told THE WEEK.
SAI's project officer in-charge of golf, Deepak Kumar, has been sent by the ministry as the manager. The IGU has sent another official Manav Das. However, Aparajit clarified: “There is only one manager for the team—the one sent by SAI. We have sent our person to help him.” The IGU official has a clear brief from the organisation to avoid any confrontation with the SAI officer and only assist him. The two officials are reportedly getting along well. The IGU has also deputed a manager —Pauline—for the women's team.
It seems that the government allowed the tour after the IGU informed the sports ministry that the process of implementing the amendments has been initiated.
The IGU was derecognised primarily because its constitution did not have the key 'one state, one vote' regulation, tenure norms and had elections based on the zonal system. The matter has been on for last five years. However, now the IGU is hoping for relief soon and is holding its EGM on June to amend its constitution and then hold elections.