Statement on situation regarding Archery Association of India governance, general assembly and elections

World Archery has been closely monitoring the ongoing situation with the Archery Association of India.

On 16 January 2019, secretary general Tom Dielen sent an email to BVP Rao and the rest of the association administration informing them that World Archery did not recognise the outcome of the general assembly held on 22 December 2018, due to the constitution used being never formally approved. This includes BVP Rao’s election as president.

The email then requested provision of the full minutes of the general assembly.

These minutes were provided to World Archery on 21 January 2019, when BVP Rao visited the international federation’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Further information related to the general assembly has now been requested and, when provided, the complete documentation will undergo assessment before a recommendation is presented to the World Archery executive board.

At this time, the Archery Association of India is recognised as a World Archery member in good standing and no penalty or suspension has been instigated.

World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen said: “India is a promising archery region and it is imperative that we build a strong federation that will realise its potential going forward. As such, we will not rush this process but work towards a stable long-term outcome.”

“World Archery has the interests of Indian athletes as its priority throughout this period and will put paramount importance on ensuring that those athletes’ preparations for the Olympic Games in Tokyo are not interrupted as a result of administrative uncertainty.”