FIS Ends Four-Year Indian Ski Federation Dispute, Recognises BSSA as National Governing Body

Belgrade (Serbia), June 13: The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has formally resolved the long-running dispute over the governance of skiing and snowboarding in India, approving the Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association (BSSA) as the country's recognised national federation during its 57th Congress in Belgrade on June 11.

The decision brings an end to nearly four years of uncertainty surrounding the administration of winter sports in India and clears the way for Indian athletes to operate under a recognised national body within the global FIS framework.

During the Congress, FIS President Johan Eliasch presented the matter to member nations and sought approval for the affiliation of a new governing body for India. No objections were raised by any delegation, resulting in the unanimous approval of the proposal.

As part of the decision, FIS officially terminated the membership of Ski Snowboard India (SSI) and granted full membership status to the Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association.

Four Years of Uncertainty Ends

Addressing delegates, Eliasch explained that India's ski federation had remained in a prolonged state of uncertainty following legal disputes and court proceedings in the country.

According to Eliasch, the situation was not recognised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which had subsequently recommended the creation of a new federation capable of representing Indian skiing and snowboarding internationally.

"The matter has been unresolved for almost four years," Eliasch noted, adding that discussions with the IOA had led FIS to consider a fresh solution.

He also referenced a similar governance dispute that FIS had previously encountered in Canada involving rival associations.

After reviewing detailed submissions from the Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association, FIS concluded that BSSA was the most appropriate organisation to serve as India's recognised national federation.

Special Approval Granted by Congress

Eliasch informed Congress members that the proposal had not met the usual requirement of being submitted at least ten days in advance.

However, given the exceptional circumstances surrounding the issue, he sought special approval from delegates to proceed with the matter during the Congress itself.

The proposal to disaffiliate Ski Snowboard India and admit BSSA as a full member was subsequently approved without opposition.

The decision officially ends a chapter that had created administrative challenges for athletes, coaches and stakeholders involved in winter sports across the country.

Arif Khan Welcomes Decision

India's Winter Olympian Arif Khan welcomed the development, describing it as a major step forward for the sport in the country.

Khan said the decision would provide clarity, stability and fresh opportunities for athletes competing in skiing and snowboarding disciplines.

He also criticised what he described as misinformation circulated on social media by individuals lacking adequate knowledge and experience in winter sports administration.

According to Khan, athletes and stakeholders from India's snow-bound regions had largely supported the move and recognised its long-term benefits.

A New Chapter for Indian Winter Sports

Khan described the FIS recognition of BSSA as a historic moment for India's winter sports ecosystem.

"The confirmation of affiliation by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to the Bharatiya Ski and Snowboard Federation marks a historic victory for India's winter states, athletes, and the entire winter sports community," Khan said.

"This recognition paves the way for greater opportunities, stronger international participation, and structured development of winter sports across the country."

He added that the new framework would help expand skiing and snowboarding programmes, improve athlete development pathways and create greater opportunities for participation at international events.

The FIS decision is expected to provide much-needed administrative stability to skiing and snowboarding in India at a crucial time when winter sports are gaining visibility across the Himalayan states.

With BSSA now recognised as the official national federation, Indian athletes will be able to engage with international competitions and development programmes under a clear governance structure.

For India's winter sports community, the decision marks not just the end of a prolonged dispute but the beginning of a new chapter aimed at strengthening the country's presence on the global snow sports stage.