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SAI Directed to Set Up Selection Committee to Pick the Indian Karate Team for Competing in Asian Games
In an order[1] dated May 18, 2023, the Delhi High Court directed the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to set up a selection committee to pick the Karate sportspersons to represent India in the 19th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China in September-October 2023.
This order has been issued in terms of the letter dated May 15, 2023, sent by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to the SAI directing the latter to form a selection committee to pick the Indian Karate team to compete in the Asian Games. The Ministry considered it necessary to send this letter in view of the absence of a National Federation recognised by the Sports Ministry for the sport of Karate.
Accordingly, the court directed the SAI to set up a selection committee within a week from the date of the order. The committee so constituted is expected to carry out the selection process in accordance with the rules of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and keeping in mind the last date for sharing the list of selected sportspersons with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee which is on July 15, 2023. Also, the SAI has been ordered to inform the petitioner, Shruti Sharma, a Karateka once such a committee has been constituted so that she may apply in the selection process.
[1] Shruti Sharma vs. Union of India & Ors. [WP(C) 6729/2023]
