Taekwondo Corruption Scandal: Delhi High Court Set Aside Removal Of Director Over ‘Fixing Results’

The High Court of Delhi put aside the dismissal of the Director of the Competition of Taekwondo (DOC) saying that the allegations of corruption against him were not “accompanied by convincing equipment”. On Monday, Doc t Praveen Kumar was removed by the Technical Driving Committee of National Games (GTCC) as well as some officials, who were also accused of looking for bribes to fix the results in 10 of the 16 weight categories long before the start of the competition. He was replaced by S Dinesh Kumar as Doc.

The high court judged that “no rational is disclosed for replacing the doc who is not one of the technical officials, and has no role to play in the devices tried”.

“None of these complaints is accompanied by convincing equipment and contains naked allegations. It should be noted that the complaint dated 31.01.2025 refers to certain allegations for the period extending in 2012,” said the order adopted by Judge Sachin Datta.

Kumar’s dismissal on January 31 came after the “strong recommendations” made by a handling committee for manipulation of the competition of three members (PMCC). GTCC president Sunaina Kumari said PMCC’s recommendations had been accepted.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also supported GTCC’s decision.

The PMCC also suggested to IOA that at least 50% of the appointed technical officials are replaced by officials duly qualified by international or national certification.

The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), which is recognized as the National Sport Federation by the High Court, has filed a request against the decision of GTCC and IOA.

The HC declared that the order of January 31 of the GTCC and IOA “is motivated due to the fact that the respondent n ° 1 (IOA) and 2 (GTCC) does not recognize the petitioner (TFI) as the NSF concerned. This is contrary to the preview of the order dated 24.12.2024 and 31.01.2025”.

“In the circumstances, the contested decision recorded in the e-mail of 31.01.2025 is canceled. However, it is clear that respondents No. 1 and 2 have the right to appoint observers for the various devices of Taekwondo sport.

“… If something is noted with the decisions taken by the technical managers appointed by TFI, the respondents No. 1 and 2 have the right to take corrective measures in consultation with the petitioner / applicant.” The court also asked the TFI to offer complete cooperation to the GTCC for this purpose.

“In addition, respondents have the right to take measures for the disqualification of players, subject to membership of the applicable rules and regulations. With the consent of a respective lawyer, it is also directed that the coaches / support staff are allowed to accompany / stay close to the players, to the measure.” Interestingly, in an earlier order, the HC had mentioned “particular circumstances surrounding Taekwondo sport in India where, despite the TFI having been the recognized NSF, the International Corps (Taekwondo) recognized another organization, namely” India Taekwondo “(IT), and a large number of athletes / players participate / competition organized by the events organized by the events. Tfi. ” In Haldwani, where Taekwondo competitions started from Wednesday, TFI secretary general, RD Mangueshkar, said T Praveen Kumar would take the direction of Doc on Friday.

“Praveen Kumar will take care of Friday. The High Court’s decision came in the afternoon and nothing could be done today. The competition was held gently today.

“The athletes should not suffer and we want a smooth competition of competitions. We will cooperate for the good of athletes and sport,” he told PTI.

While expressing its exaltation to the turn of events, the TFI also threatened to deposit defamation cases against all those who alleged a fault by its officials.

(With the exception of the title, this story has not been published by NDTV staff and is published from a unionized flow.)