National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Raninder Singh has gone on a long leave after the Sports Ministry directed the heads of National Sports Federations not to hold office for more than 12 years under the Sports Code. The ministry has also asked NRAI to conduct elections for the post of president within the prescribed time limit. Failure to do so will lead to action under the sports code. The ministry had last month said that Raninder has completed 12 years as chairman (December 29, 2010 to December 29, 2022) and cannot continue in the post under the Sports Code.
Raninder was re-elected president in September 2021. NRAI, in a letter dated March 30 to the members of its governing body, has informed about an emergency meeting on April 6. Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, the senior vice-president of the federation, will take over as the president. Confirming the development, NRAI secretary Rajeev Bhatia said that the government has reminded the federation that Raninder has completed 12 years as its president.
In a letter dated March 10, the ministry said, “The head of any recognized National Sports Federation cannot remain president for more than twelve years (with or without a break).” Given its importance, it is necessary that it has a valid NSF which is in line with the National Sports Code. NRAI has been directed to conduct the election for the post of President in accordance with the provisions of the Sports Code. If not doing so, appropriate action will be taken.
