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, stating that the body is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
In a communication to DCCI secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan, the ministry said that only government-recognised federations are allowed to use those terms. Similar notices were sent to the Women’s Football Federation of India and the Indian Body Builders’ Federation, among others.
“…It has come to the notice of this Department that the expression “India” is being used by your Federation, namely, Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India, despite the fact that the said Federation is not recognised as National Sports Federation by this Ministry,” the letter stated, as cited by news agency PTI.
“…it is hereby directed to desist from using the expression “India” or “Indian” in the name and/or any activities of your Federation. Unauthorized use of the said expressions are liable for appropriate action under the extant 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 has the board’s backing.
The BCCI itself is not a recognised NSF.
Chauhan confirmed that he had received the ministry’s letter and requested that DCCI be granted NSF status.
“…it is not just us but multiple sports bodies have been notified that they can’t use the word India since they are not Registered NSF. My plea to ministry would be to accord us NSF status as we have been running the Differently Abled Cricket in the country.”
“We have organised World Cups, Asia Cups, national tournaments as well bilateral series. Our national team has played in England, Sri Lanka. The BCCI also recognises us,” Chauhan, the secretary of DCCI, told PTI.
He also sought similar action against other organisations involved in differently-abled cricket.
“There is CABI (Cricket Association for Blind), the Wheelchair Association, Association for speech and hearing impaired players. I believe everyone should get this notification from Ministry,” he said.
A ministry source said that with the National Sports Governance Act now in force, all sports bodies must seek recognition from the National Sports Board, which is yet to be set up, to receive approval from the ministry.
Taekwondo decision
In a separate move, the ministry has withdrawn recognition of the Taekwondo Federation of India. It also said that India Taekwondo would not be granted recognition as the governing body for the sport.
The decision followed directions from the Delhi High Court, which had asked both factions to justify their claims.
“…upon further examination, it has been observed that the Constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Bye-laws of Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully in conformity with the Sports Code…it is observed that, as on date, both the parties’ viz., Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo do not fully meet the conditions prescribed in the guidelines for recognition of NSFs as contained in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.”
“…at present, neither of the above said two Federations qualifies for grant of government recognition…in compliance of the directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi dated 06.01.2026, it has been decided that, as neither Taekwondo Federation of India nor India Taekwondo fully meet the criteria prescribed in the Sports Code for grant of recognition.”
