Sharma withdraws poll notice; AAI elections likely on June 9

Archery Association of India's elections could be held on June 9 as notified by secretary Maha Singh after the rival faction, led by acting-president Sunil Sharma, withdrew his May 26 poll notice.

"Pursuant to the judgment passed by the Supreme Court of India dated May 10, the elections of office bearers of the AAI, which were announced to be conducted on May 26 in New Delhi, would be rescheduled. Revised election notification will be issued soon," Sharma said in his letter to the state associations, a copy of which is in possession of PTI.

Sharma, who is believed to have allegiance with the group led by former president VK Malhotra, had sent the election notice without meeting with the court-appointed committee of administrators (CoA), and secretary Maha Singh had termed it illegal and contempt of court.

Later, Singh, after a meeting with five of the 10-member CoA, had issued fresh election notification slated for June 9 in Chandigarh.

Terming this a victory for them, Singh told PTI: "The notice was after all 'illegal and unauthorised'. He had to withdraw it. Moreover, he doesn't have the powers to issue election notice. Polls will be conducted on June 9 as per our notice."