Photo credit: X/@dcciofficial The Union Sports Ministry has asked the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to stop using the words “India” or “Indian” in its name and activities, saying the body is not recognized as a National Sports Federation (NSF).In a communication to DCCI secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan, the ministry said only federations recognized by the government can use these terms. Similar notices have been sent to the Indian Women’s Football Federation and the Bodybuilding Federation of India, among others.“…This ministry has noticed that the term ‘India’ is being used by your federation, namely the Cricket Board of India with various capacities, despite the fact that the said federation is not recognized by this ministry as a national sports federation,” the letter said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
India keep T20 World Cup dream alive, now to Kolkata
“…it is hereby directed to desist from using the terms ‘India’ or ‘Ind’ in the name and/or any activities of your federation. Unauthorized use of the said terms is liable for appropriate action under existing rules and applicable laws,” it warned.The DCCI does not have official recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), although it does have the support of the board. BCCI itself is not recognized by NSF.Chauhan confirmed that he had received the letter from the department and requested that DCCI be given NSF status.“…it is not just us but several sports organizations have been advised that they cannot use the word India as they are not a registered NSF. My request to the ministry would be to grant us NSF status as we are running Differently Abled Cricket in the country.”“We have organized World Cups, Asia Cups, national tournaments as well as bilateral series. Our national team has played in England, Sri Lanka. BCCI also recognizes us,” DCCI secretary Chauhan told PTI.He also sought similar action against other organizations involved in disability cricket.“There is CABI (Cricket Association for the Blind), Wheelchair Association, Hearing and Speech Impaired Players Association. I believe everyone should get this notice from the ministry,” he said.A ministry source said that with the National Sports Governance Act now in place, all sports bodies must apply for recognition to the yet-to-be-established National Sports Council to receive approval from the ministry.
Taekwondo decision
In a separate move, the ministry revoked the recognition of the Taekwondo Federation of India. He also stated that Indian Taekwondo would not be recognized as the governing body of the sport.The decision followed the directions of the Delhi High Court, which asked both the factions to justify their claims.“…upon further investigation it is found that the Constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Statutes of Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully in compliance with the Sports Code…it is found that till date both the parties i.e. Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully complying with the guidelines for recognition of conditions of Indian Sports by NSF as prescribed in the National Code of Sports of India contained in NSF for Recognition of Conditions of India and Taekwondo India. 2011.”“…at present none of the above two federations are eligible for Government recognition…as per Hon’ble High Court of Delhi directions dated 06.01.2026, it has been held that neither the Taekwondo Federation of India nor Taekwondo India fully fulfills the criteria prescribed in the Sports Code for recognition.”See also: PAK vs SL
