JAMMU, Oct 7: Alleging of being sandwiched between the “family dominated” Jammu and Kashmir Amateur Fencing Association (JKAFA) and the Ad-hoc committee constituted in February 2021, the fencers are in limbo as the conflict between the two bodies have taken an ugly turn ahead of the Goa National Games scheduled to begin from October 26.
The ding-dong battle between both the bodies triggered soon after the Fencing Association of India (FAI) authorised the Ad-hoc committee to run the fencing affairs for a period of one year till March 31, 2022 followed by extension of terms (as claimed).
Though the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) authorises the JKAFA to hold fencing related activities in the Union Territory but contrary to that, the Ad-hoc committee headed by international fencer Rashid Choudhary as its convener claims to be FAI approved body.
As few days are left for the J&K athletes to represent the prestigious platform, the fencers are yet in a confusion regarding to whom they have to obey for the final call.
“Why are we being sandwiched. What is our fault? Why don’t these bodies clear the dust and let us know under whose banner we have to participate in the National Games,” a senior fencer pleading anonymity said.
“If FAI has authorised the ad-hoc committee then why does JKSC not agree to it? Without the affiliation/recognition of the national sports body, participation at the national/international forum is invalid,” a female fencer wished not to be quoted told UNI.
“Our accreditation for National Games on the FAI portal shall begin from October 9 but we are still in a fix of who is going to register us officially,” the fencers stated. Secretary General, Fencing Association of India (FAI), Rajeev Mehta when contacted said, “we have authorised the ad-hoc committee to look into the fencing affairs in Jammu and Kashmir and their recommendations will be treated as valid.
“When asked about the conduct of the trials, he said, “yes, trials have to be conducted and whatever the ad-hoc committee decides shall be endorsed.”
A senior official in the J&K Sports Council administration said? “The September 27 FAI letter has been addressed to the Presidents and the Secretaries of the States/UTs associations and there is no mention of the ad-hoc committee.
And, so far, we have not received any communication in ‘Black & White’ from the ad-hoc committee regarding extension of their term, which ended on March 31.” JKAFA General Secretary, Bhanu Vijay Sharma when contacted said, “On the basis of Senior National Championship performance wherein Sabre team was ranked third, they qualified directly for National Games participation, so trials are not required.”
Stating another hypothetical reason for not holding the trials, Bhanu claimed, “trials may lead to injury to fencer,” adding, “we have the best qualified team and the directions for the coaching camp from Oct 5 to 21 are already issued by the JKSC.”
“We have taken the consent of the fencers as most of them are outside J&K training in the National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) and they have welcomed our decision of not conducting the trials.
Moreover, out of the two coaches of the JKSC, one of them (instructor) has also supported the decision,” said Bhanu. Convener, Ad-hoc Committee, J&K, Rashid Ahmad Choudhary when contacted said,
“Does JKSC treat the president and secretary general of JKAFA as authorised? If the FAI, which is a national body, is not recognising the JKAFA then how is the JKSC empowering them with all responsibilities?” On May 14, 2023, JKAFA unanimously elected the body in the absence of the national observer from the FAI, then how it can be treated as an authorised body is a million dollar question? he raised the finger.
Choudhary said that the ad-hoc committee has made correspondence to the NCOE Patiala, Aurangabad and Sanskar Dham to relieve the fencers for the trials and the coaching camp, adding, “Can JKAFA produce record of any official correspondence made with the FAI related to the fencing activities in Jammu and Kashmir?.”
“Last year, JKSC itself asked to conduct the trials, so why not this time?” said Choudhary. “We are fighting for the rights and justice of the fencers, who sweat hard throughout the year and wait for this moment to represent at the esteemed platform,” said Choudhary. (UNI)
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