Asian Games prep: SAI forms 3 martial arts committees

NEW DELHI: Aiming to maximise India’s medal prospects at the Asian Games in Japan next year, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has formed three committees to oversee the preparations and selection of athletes in three martial arts disciplines — karate, kurash and jiu jitsu.The move was necessitated as the sports ministry does not currently recognise any of the national federations for administering these sports. The Karate India Organisation (KIO), Indian Kurash Association (IKA) and Ju-Jitsu Association of India (JJAI) are affiliated to their respective world bodies but have not yet been granted recognition as NSFs by the ministry.For karate, the SAI appointed D K Mittal, executive director (regional centre Guwahati), as chairman along with eight other members including those part of the technical conduct committee. For kurash and jiu-jitsu, Abhishek Singh Chauhan, director (regional centre Bhopal), was named chairman with eight other members on the panel.In an official circular issued by SAI – a copy of which is with TOI – the core responsibilities of the committees include “handle the selection of athletes, conduct coaching camps for participation in international competitions among others.