Fri Nov 15 04:36:47 UTC 2024: ## Sports Ministry Objects to TTFI CEO Appointment, Citing Conflict with National Sports Code

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry has raised concerns over the appointment of former TTFI official M.P. Singh as the federation’s Chief Executive Officer, arguing that it contradicts the National Sports Code’s “good governance practices” guidelines.

The Ministry, in a letter to the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), cited its 2022 circular which explicitly prohibits the appointment of former office bearers as CEOs. Singh, who previously served as TTFI Treasurer from 2013-17 and Secretary General from 2017-2021, was appointed CEO at the federation’s Annual General Meeting in July.

The Ministry highlighted that allowing ineligible outgoing office bearers to return as CEOs undermines the spirit of the Sports Code, which aims to limit tenure and age for office holders in sports bodies.

“The post of CEO is an administrative position for which the person selected is paid by the IOA and NSF,” stated the Ministry, emphasizing that the appointment should be based on merit and not past political affiliations.

The TTFI constitution, aligned with the Sports Code, mandates a cooling-off period of one four-year term after two consecutive terms as Secretary General or Treasurer.

Reports suggest that some TTFI members raised objections during the AGM, but the appointment was ultimately approved. However, with the Ministry’s strong stance, the TTFI is now expected to “take appropriate action in the matter.”

The Ministry’s move comes as it plans to introduce a comprehensive Sports Bill to strengthen governance practices in Indian sports bodies. This incident underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the management of sporting federations.

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