Right to register athletes for World Championship is prerogative of GFI: FIG

Only the Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI) has the right to select the Indian team for next month's World Championship in Artistic Gymnastics, the sport's global body said on Monday.

The Sports Ministry last week wrote to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to allow the committee, headed by Indian Olympic Association (IOA), to select the team for the tournament, which is also an Olympic qualifier, and scheduled to be held in Stuttgart, Germany from October 4 to 13.

Replying to the letter, FIG Deputy Secretary General Nicolas Buompane said: "The decision of who is part of the delegation at our World Championships and the right to register athletes for these events is the only prerogative of our member.

"As long as GFI is in good standing with us, we can and shall therefore only accept registrations duly signed by their President or Secretary General we recognise.

"We are confident that they will organise fair qualifications respecting their rules and statues."
"At the same time, it is also our duty to guarantee the independence of our members and protect them from any interference. This is the reason why we continue to recognize GFI and its President Mr. Sudhakar Shetty as the only member in India. Inspite of all the problems, they are active, have promising gymnasts, good coaches and international judges."
"Such internal tensions and court cases are always to the detriment of the athletes and destroy the common efforts for development of the whole gymnastics family in India. We sincerely hope, that with the new elections, this shall now come to an end."