🚨 Unconstitutional “India Taekwondo” and Its Looming Consequences

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The governance crisis in Indian Taekwondo has reached a critical point, raising serious concerns for athletes, coaches, and the integrity of Indian sports administration. What began as a temporary arrangement has evolved into what many describe as an unconstitutional takeover.

Origins of the Temporary Body

In 2018, following internal disputes within the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), both World Taekwondo (WT) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) stepped in to stabilize the situation.

• The IOA was instructed to conduct formal elections for TFI.
• While waiting for elections, the IOA created an ad-hoc body called “India Taekwondo (Temporary Federation)”.
• The IOA appointed Namdev Shirgaonker, then IOA Joint Secretary (with no prior ties to Taekwondo), as Chairman.
• WT also appointed external coordinators to oversee Indian Taekwondo affairs, including Milan Kwee (Singapore) and later Mr. Bhari (Iran).

This body was never intended to be permanent. It was simply a holding mechanism until proper democratic elections could take place in TFI.

From Temporary Committee to Illegal Continuation

• In 2022, Shirgaonker lost his IOA Joint Secretary position in IOA’s normal elections.
• In 2023, the Delhi High Court mandated new TFI elections, which were duly held and completed.
• At this point, the temporary “India Taekwondo” should have been dissolved.

Instead, Shirgaonker has continued to run “India Taekwondo” as if it were the official federation, despite:

• Having no legal registration,
• No elections,
• No audited finances,
• No official recognition from IOA or WT.

Yet, the body continues to issue certificates, recognize state associations, and make administrative decisions — all without legitimacy.

Legal and Ethical Breaches

Independent reports and official statements highlight numerous violations:

1. Violation of IOA & WT Directives – Both IOA President PT Usha and the IOA Ethics Commission have confirmed that India Taekwondo is unrecognized and unauthorized.
2. Unauthorised Continuation – Operating beyond its original mandate after TFI elections were completed.
3. No Legal Registration – Never registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
4. Non-Compliance with National Sports Code 2011 – No democratic elections, transparency, or accountability.
5. No Elections Held – Without registration, no valid membership or elections exist.
6. No Financial Audit – No government-audited financial records.
7. Misuse of IOA Identity – Unauthorized use of IOA’s name and logo.
8. Unrecognized State Associations – Units created under India Taekwondo have no legal recognition with State Olympic Associations.
9. Invalid Certificates – Certificates issued are invalid for sports quotas, government employment, or official recognition.

A Wider Pattern: Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA)

The controversy does not stop with Taekwondo. Recent developments show a wider pattern of control:

• As per reports in Pudhari (19 Sept 2025), several sports associations in Maharashtra are protesting against Shirgaonker’s actions as Secretary of MOA.
• Allegations include arbitrary exclusion of legitimate associations (wrestling, kabaddi, boxing, swimming, handball) from voting rights in MOA elections.
• Of 47–48 affiliated organizations, only 22 were declared eligible to vote — a move described as deliberate to consolidate control.
• Complaints also highlight improper accounting of government funds, including large sums allocated for national competitions.
• Protesting groups have warned of agitation and indefinite fast (amaran uposhana) unless Shirgaonker is suspended.

This suggests the India Taekwondo issue is part of a broader governance crisis under Shirgaonker’s leadership across sports.

Possible Consequences

If these violations are proven, the following outcomes are likely:

• Court-ordered dissolution of India Taekwondo.
• Suspension or permanent ban on Shirgaonker from IOA, WT, MOA, or any official sports governance roles.
• Criminal investigation for misrepresentation, misuse of logos, and corruption.
• Contempt of Court charges for ignoring orders related to TFI elections.
• Invalidation of certificates and athlete results issued under India Taekwondo.
• International scrutiny, including possible escalation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In Summary

What began as a temporary solution has now transformed into a systemic abuse of power. The continuation of India Taekwondo without recognition undermines:

• Democratic governance in sport,
• Athletes’ rights and futures,
• India’s credibility in international Taekwondo and the Olympic movement.

Unless decisive legal and administrative action is taken immediately, Indian Taekwondo risks sacrificing an entire generation of athletes to politics, corruption, and illegitimacy.

🔥 Save Taekwondo. Save Indian Sport. Protect the Athletes’ Future.