By Susil Premalal

Seven national sports associations are facing the threat of suspension by the Sports Ministry.

They are the governing bodies of hockey, handball, basketball, golf, carom, wrestling and ball-badminton.

These associations have been advised to hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of office-bearers before November 30 but because of the prevailing situation in the country, they are unable to even call for nominations, a ministry official said.

The ministry had reminded them that according to the Sports Law every association has to conduct their AGM before May 31. Since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic in March, 24 national sports bodies have not conducted their AGM.

Although the ministry granted time till November 30 for these associations to hold their AGM because of the viral outbreak, nine of these associations have been unable to meet the deadline. The cycling and bodybuilding associations are embroiled in legal issues.

The Department of Sports Development has inquired from the Sports Ministry what action should be taken in case these associations don’t conduct their AGM before November 30, and had suggested that those associations should be suspended and interim committee formed to govern the sport temporarily. The Secretary to the Ministry of Sports has yet to respond to this proposal.