The Sports Ministry has provisionally granted the status of National Sports Federation (NSF) to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), a significant upgrade for the body that is coordinating with the government to bring Formula 1 back to the country.The FMSCI had applied for recognition on June 11 this year and the approval of its request means that it would now be eligible for financial grants from the ministry."…the request of Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) for provisional recognition as National Sports Federation (NSF) has been considered and it has been decided to grant provisional recognition to FMSCI as an NSF with effect from the date of issue of this letter," the Ministry order dated July 23 stated. The Ministry has asked FMSCI, which is based in Chennai and headed by Arindam Ghosh, to amend its constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA) to conform with the provisions of the National Sports Governance Act and the rules framed in it within stipulated time-lines.FMSCI has been in regular talks with the ministry on not just the issue of recognition but to also chart the way forward for F1's India comeback.To grant recognition to the body which came into existence in 1971, the government has relaxed some norms related to the minimum state units affiliation required for NSF status.The Ministry also stated that it will revoke the recognition if the body fails to comply with its guidelines on financial probity, anti-doping measures, governance structure or if it indulges in misrepresentation of facts.Last month, Sports Minister Manuskh Mandaviya had announced that a Task Force would be instituted "as soon as possible" to assess the challenges and benefits of hosting major motorsport events here.The Task Force will evaluate the economic, tourism, and investment benefits arising from hosting major motorsport events in…
This report has been adapted by the PurePlay Sports Desk from coverage by Google News — India Sports, The Bridge.