Delhi High Court Directs Taekwondo Federation Of India To Conduct Fresh Open Selection Trials For 2025 National Games

The Delhi High Court has directed the Taekwondo Federation Of India (TFI) to conduct fresh open selection trials for selecting two players in each weight category for both male and female for upcoming National Games to be held at Uttarakhand commencing from January 28.Justice Sachin Datta said that after the trials, two players shall be selected in each weight category who would be given a wild card entry to participate in the 38th National Games, 2025.“A draw of lots to be conducted amongst the players already selected to determine the players who will contest with the wild card entrants, and the winner in the bout will proceed to the next round to compete with the remaining contestants, and proceed further,” the Court said. It added that a public notification or communication shall be issued by the TFI specifying the date, venue and time of the trials. The same shall be fixed in consultation with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Court said. “Members of the paramilitary force (such as the Assam Rifles) who have participated in the National Championship but have not been considered for selection by the TFI on account of their participation in the said National Championships having not been routed through the concerned home state shall also be entitled to participate in the trials in these proceedings,” it ordered. Justice Datta disposed of a plea moved by international players of the sport of Taekwondo raising grievance regarding the selection process concerning the upcoming National Games. It was claimed that certain renowned players or athletes were excluded from the zone of consideration. The Court noted that all the parties were in agreement that some arrangement needs to be worked out to ensure participation of deserving athletes or players who have been left out from participation in the National Games pursuant to the selection exercise carried out by the TFI.It further noted that the two kind of athletes left out from zone of consideration were- reputed international players who had not participated in the events organised by TFI including the National Championships and athletes or players from the Central Organizations or Para Military Forces who had either not participated in the National Championships held in October, 2024 or, whose participation had not been routed through their respective state association.“Since, the learned counsel for UOI has submitted in these proceedings that TFI has been recognized as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for the sport of Taekwondo and yet not been de-recognised (although the recognition is stated to be under review), it would be apposite that the fresh open selection trials are conducted under the aegis of the TFI,” the Court said. It added that a representative of IOA and or Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) shall be entitled to remain present and oversee the conduct of the trials.Title: TAEKWONDO FEDERATION OF INDIA v. INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION & ORS and other connected matterCitation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 32Click here to read order

Delhi High Court Directs Taekwondo Federation Of India To Conduct Fresh Open Selection Trials For 2025 National Games

Nupur Thapliyal

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