New Delhi. The Government had received complaints against (i) Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), (ii) Gymnastic Federation of India (GFI), and (iii) Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) regarding misuse of government grants. The Indian Hockey Federation has been de-recognized by the Government on 12.5.2008 on account of serious mismanagement by the Federation and its de-recognition by both Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and International Hockey Federation (FIH). As regards Gymnastic Federation of India, the federation had diverted the government grant amounting to Rs.2.00 lakh which was released on 21.11.1997 and 8.6.1998, in two instalments of Rs.1.50 lakhs and Rs.0.50 lakh, respectively, for conducting national championship. The Federation was suspended for a period of 6-months on 5.3.2008 and was cautioned to ensure proper financial accountability. The amount diverted by the federation was also recovered along with penal interest. This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply to a question by Shri M. B. Rajesh in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that in so far as Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) is concerned, it has been decided to withhold sanction of financial assistance to IKCA from the Ministry till clearance of the allegations about mis-utilisation of Government funds by some of the office bearers of IKCA.