Kalikesh takes over as NRAI president, Raninder goes on long leave
Senior Vice President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo on Thursday took over as the President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) after Raninder Singh went on a long leave. Raninder had gone on leave following the Sports Ministry’s directive that presidents of National Sports Federations (NSFs) cannot hold office for more than 12 years as per the National Sports Code. He was re-elected as the President of NRAI in September 2021.
The ministry had last month pointed out that Raninder had completed 12 years as president from December 29, 2010 till December 29, 2022 and as per the code he cannot continue as NRAI chief any further. In an emergency virtual meeting on Thursday, NRAI said in a release that Singh Deo was unanimously elected as the president. Singh Deo said, “I humbly accept the responsibility that has been entrusted to me. Our immediate priority is to prepare our best for important competitions like the Asian Games and the World Championships. ,
“Our team at NRAI and I will work closely with the Government of India, Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India and all other key stakeholders to ensure that our sport continues to make the nation proud as much as possible,” he added. The NRAI said it has been decided to hand over the responsibility to Singh Deo “as per Rule 19 of the Rules and Guidelines in the NRAI Constitution”. “The matter of election and tenure of Raninder is sub judice in the Delhi High Court,” the release said.
According to the release, the virtual meeting lasted for 40 minutes and was attended by 29 out of 35 members. The ministry had asked the NRAI to conduct the election for the post of president within the prescribed time frame, failing which it would invite “appropriate action” as per the Sports Code. The NRAI, in a letter dated March 30, had informed its governing board members about an ’emergency meeting’ on Thursday to discuss the issues raised in the ministry’s letter.
