Brijinder Singh, the President of the Indian Golf Union (IGU), has expressed concerns about the increasing involvement of senior military officers in sports politics. Singh warned that such participation could hinder the development of sports in India, urging the authorities to ensure that serving military officers focus on their primary responsibilities.
This issue has gained attention in light of the upcoming elections for the Indian Golf Union (IGU), where six serving officers have filed nominations for various positions. These officers, surprisingly, are contesting through state associations with which they have no direct affiliation, raising questions about adherence to established election guidelines and potentially setting a troubling precedent.
In a strongly worded letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Brijinder Singh, President of the Indian Golf Union, raised serious concerns regarding the involvement of senior military officers in sports politics. He pointed out that such involvement could distract these officers from their core military responsibilities.
“The primary duty of serving the nation and leading troops effectively requires their full attention, and diverting their focus to sports administration could impact their ability to carry out these critical tasks,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the potential neglect of sports development due to the military officers’ existing commitments. Given their demanding military roles, it is unlikely that these officers would be able to devote the necessary time and energy to the promotion and growth of the sport. This could result in setbacks for the development and management of the sport, hindering its potential to thrive.
Additionally, Singh raised concerns about the restrictions these officers face in engaging with foreign delegates and international sports organizations. Military officers have limited freedom in interacting with stakeholders from entities such as the R&A and the International Golf Federation, which could restrict their ability to contribute effectively to sports administration. He also emphasized the need for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for any serving officer to contest in national sports federation elections. It remains uncertain whether such NOCs have been issued and whether they have been approved by the Chief of Army Staff or other designated authorities, raising further questions about the propriety of these elections.
“It is crucial to maintain the sanctity of both the Indian Armed Forces and the organizations these individuals aim to represent. Given the potential impact on the focus and integrity of military personnel, it is essential that the authorities review this issue and ensure serving officers remain focused on their military duties. A thorough examination of the matter is necessary to prevent any dilution of the credibility and efficiency of the armed forces,” the IGU president said.
“The concerned authorities are urged to take appropriate action, ensuring that senior military officials avoid involvement in non-military endeavours that could compromise their responsibilities and the reputation of the Indian Army,” he added.
