Mohammad Azharuddin announced that he would contest the upcoming elections for the Badminton Association on India (BAI), but was prompt in dismissing the suggestion that the idea may have germinated from the sports ministry, which has been keen to take on the long serving officials of various sports federations.
“I have neither been told by the Sports Minister (MS Gill) nor my party (Congress) to fight these elections. I have never believed in getting the backing of anyone in all my years in sport. This is something that I believe in,” the former India cricket captain said here on Saturday.
The ministry recently laid down guidelines which stipulate a maximum tenure of 12 years for presidents of sports bodies, apart from other caps. The guidelines have been dismissed by the federations, even as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has warned that the country could face a suspension for transgressing the Olympic Charter.
Azhar is contesting for the post of president in the BAI elections to be held in Chennai on June 13. The present incumbent, VK Verma, has held the post for 12 years.
“I have always followed badminton closely and am confident that the profile of the game can change very fast in this country. I feel I can contribute by getting such an important post,” said Azhar, one of India’s most successful captains.
Azhar said he had the support of several state units even though there was no show of strength at the press conference.
“We decided only yesterday (Friday) about this conference, so we obviously could not have flown in people. I am confident of doing well, even though as a sportsman, I am accustomed to both winning and losing,” added the Member of Parliament from Moradabad.
Azhar pointed out that the Constitution of the BAI did not require that he represent any federation and that his name could be proposed by any of the units. Though his camp did not indicate who his major backers were, a figure of 50 votes out of 88 was being hoped for.
