Sports Ministry Grants NSF Recognition to FMSCI; Boosts Chance of F1 Race in India
The FMSCI sought for recognition on June 11 of this year, and the government has approved its request, making it eligible for cash assistance.
XtraTime Newsdesk: The Sports Ministry has provisionally awarded the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) the title of National Sports Federation (NSF), a key step forward for the organization working with the government to bring Formula One back to India. The FMSCI sought for recognition on June 11 of this year, and the government has approved its request, making it eligible for cash assistance.
"...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 urged FMSCI, which is headquartered in Chennai and led by Arindam Ghosh, to alter its constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA) to comply with the terms of the National Sports Governance Act and the norms outlined in it within the timeframe specified.
FMSCI has been in constant negotiations with the government about not only recognition but also the future of F1 in India.
To provide recognition to the organization founded in 1971, the government eased several rules governing the minimal state unit affiliation necessary for NSF accreditation.
The Ministry also indicated that it will remove recognition if the organization fails to follow its criteria on financial probity, anti-doping procedures, governance structure, or falsification of facts.
Last month, Sports Minister Manuskh Mandaviya declared that a Task Force will be formed "as soon as possible" to study the risks and benefits of holding big racing events here.
The Task Force will assess the economic, tourist, and investment advantages of holding major racing events in India, as well as identify critical goals, infrastructural requirements, and operational needs to ensure the sector's long-term development.
The Task Force will include representatives from FMSCI, the Sports Ministry, the state government (in this instance Uttar Pradesh, given Buddh International Circuit is located in Greater Noida), and facility owners.
The ministry hopes to establish a Formula One event in India by 2028.
From 2011 to 2013, India hosted the Formula One until the event was removed off the schedule owing to tax and budgetary concerns.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali welcomed the strong interest in India but declined to provide a date for its return, stating that the strategy would require the appropriate funding and personnel to succeed.
As per an F1 statement in December last year, the fanbase in India for the sport stood at 79 million. In less than six months, that number has grown to 98 million.