Not just this, even conducting National Ranking Tournaments (NRT) carrying a prize tag of Rs 50 lakh, could well become difficult for the Archery Association of India (AAI) as Tata group was the sole sponsor of the same.
With corporate giant Tata suddenly deciding to withdraw sponsorship for the Indian archery, it could well be a huge setback for the Indian archers hoping to hit the bulls' eye in the coming 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Not just this, even conducting National Ranking Tournaments (NRT) carrying a prize tag of Rs 50 lakh, could well become difficult for the Archery Association of India (AAI) as Tata group was the sole sponsor of the same.
This is a serious blow to India's preparations for the Rio Games as archers were expected to win 'more than one big medal'. It was indeed a memorable moment for India when the archers won their first-ever gold in the compound event at Incheon Asian Games. The prospects, however, seem bleak now with resources suddenly being withdrawn.
It must be mentioned here that star Indian archer Deepika Kumari was given permission by the AAI to practice at the Tata Academy in Jamshedpur under the watchful eye of her personal coach in the run-up to the Games.
Though Deepika can continue to avail the facility, as Tata has only decided to withdraw the sponsorship, AAI would certainly feel the heat in the coming days.
In fact, it was Tata's support for the last two years which kept the Indian archery alive following the de-recognition of AAI by the government, for failing to follow the Sports Code. The Indian multinational conglomerate had signed a three-year deal with AAI with a promise to pump in around Rs 2.5 crore a year. The reason why the AAI never actually required the Ministry's grant to send Indian archers on international exposure trips and camps abroad.
Sources have told dna that Tata decided to walk out of the contract midway as it was not getting 'enough mileage' for its money.
"We're in a state of shock as Tata's contribution in Indian archery for last few years has been immense. We've got so many talented archers, including Deepika Kumari, from Tata's academy in Jamshedpur. This sudden decision has put us in a state of flux," said a senior AAI official on Monday.
Ever since the sport body was derecognised by the government in 2012, and deprived of Government funds, AAI president Vijay Kumar Malhotra has been battling Sports ministry's diktats of 'age and tenure' while thriving on the generous largesse of Tata. Malhotra has been heading AAI for 42 years and is aged 83 years – well above the Sports Code prescribed age limit of 70!
AAI's treasurer Virendra Sachdeva does agree that "it would be a real challenge to arrange funds to conduct the NRT scheduled in June."
"I'm hopeful that NRT will be held as per schedule. We'll find out ways soon to carry on with our routine," said Sachdeva, adding: "Tata, as per contract, gave us one month notice before withdrawing. We're in talks with two-three corporate houses; hopefully, we'll be able to rope in replacement soon."
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