Taekwondo Corruption Scandal: Delhi High Court Set Aside Removal Of Director Over 'Fixing Results'

The Delhi High Court on Thursday set aside the removal of Taekwondo's Director of Competition (DOC) saying that allegations of corruption against him were not "accompanied by any cogent material". On Monday, DOC T Praveen Kumar was removed by the National Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) along with some officials, who were also accused of seeking bribes to fix results in 10 of the 16 weight categories long before the competition actually started. He was replaced by S Dinesh Kumar as DOC.

The High Court ruled that "no rational is disclosed for replacing the DOC who is not one of the technical officials, and has no role to play in adjudging fixtures".

"Neither of these complaints are accompanied any cogent material, and contain bare allegations. It is notable that the complaint dated 31.01.2025 refers to certain allegations for the period spanning as far back as 2012," said the order passed by Justice Sachin Datta.

Kumar's removal on January 31 came after "strong recommendations" made by a three-member prevention of manipulation of competition committee (PMCC). GTCC chairperson Sunaina Kumari said PMCC's recommendations had been accepted.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also backed GTCC's decision.

The PMCC also suggested to the IOA that at least 50 per cent of the nominated technical officials be replaced with duly qualified officials with international or national certification.

The Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI), which is recognised as the national federation of the sport by the High Court, filed a petition against the decision of the GTCC and the IOA.

The HC said that the order of January 31 of the GTCC and the IOA "is motivated on account of the fact that the respondent nos.1 (IOA) and 2 (GTCC) do not