Delhi High Court on Wednesday (November 19, 2025), taking a tough stand on the ongoing controversy in Taekwondo sport, clearly said that the Sports Ministry cannot give recognition to any organization as National Sports Federation by following the arbitrary decision of any international federation. The court said that the ministry is not a rubber stamp, which can give recognition to any entity selected by international organizations.
Taekwondo Federation of India filed an application in the High Court
This case was related to the petition of Taekwondo Federation of India, in which it had challenged the order issued by the Ministry on May 8, 2025, in which India Taekwondo was considered as NSF of the sport. TFI said that it was an already recognized NSF and without giving any notice or removing its status, the ministry suddenly recognized another institution.
The court found that neither any show cause notice was sent to TFI nor any order was issued to suspend or withdraw its recognition. Despite this, the ministry gave recognition to another organization, which is completely against the sports code. The court said that only one sport can receive NSF recognition.
Delhi High Court expressed displeasure in the matter
Justice Sachin Dutta in the Delhi High Court also said that Taekwondo sport has been surrounded by chaos and controversy for a long time and the ministry should not give recognition to any organization without investigation even if it is recognized by the International Federation. The court canceled the order of the Ministry and directed that after listening to all the stakeholders TFI and India Taekwondo, it should be decided who will be the authorized NSF of Taekwondo in India. Besides, the ministry was also asked to issue reasoned orders as per the sports code and good governance. Until this process is completed, Taekwondo Federation of India will remain the official NSF of Taekwondo in India.
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