Sports Authority of India yet to clear Indian gymnasts for World Cups

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The tussle between Gymnastics Federation of India and Sports of Authority of India has taken an ugly turn after a top GFI official claimed that the Indian gymnasts, including Olympian Dipa Karmakar, are yet to be cleared for the forthcoming Baku and Doha World Cups.

Dipa Karmakar might not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics if SAI doesn't clear her (Image Credits: Scroll)
Dipa Karmakar might not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics if SAI doesn’t clear her (Image Credits: Scroll)

Gymnastics Federation of India has nominated its vice-president Riyaz Bhati to accompany the delegation of Indian gymnasts at the two events. However, Bhati is claiming that SAI wants their Project Manager Rajinder Pathania to accompany. Hence, they are not sanctioning the gymnasts’ tour. The issue amplifies further as Sports Authority of India doesn’t recognize GFI as per the national sports code.

The Indian gymnasts are the one facing the brunt of their feud. In the recent past, they missed out on the participation at the 36th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia and the 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Doha.

The World Cup in Azerbaijan will be held from March 14-17 whereas that in Qatar will be held from March 20-23. Moreover, these two back-to-back World Cups will also act as an Olympic Qualifier. Only time will tell if Tokyo Olympics medal prospect Dipa Karmakar, Yogeshwar Singh, and Ashish Kumar will represent India in the World Cups.