The Union Sports Ministry has directed the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) to stop using the words “India” or “Indian” in its name and activities. The ministry said DCCI is not a recognised National Sports Federation (NSF).

Officials sent a formal letter to DCCI secretary Ravi Kant Chauhan. They clearly stated that only recognised federations can use national identifiers. The ministry also sent similar notices to other organisations, including the Women's Football Federation of India and the Indian Body Builders' Federation.

The letter stated, "...It has come to the notice of this Department that the expression "India" is being used by your Federation, namely, Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India, despite the fact that the said Federation is not recognised as National Sports Federation by this Ministry,"

It further warned, "...it is hereby directed to desist from using the expression "India" or "Indian" in the name and/or any activities of your Federation. Unauthorized use of the said expressions are liable for appropriate action under the extant rules and applicable laws,"

DCCI Defends Its Role

The DCCI does not have official recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the BCCI supports its work. The BCCI itself is not recognised as an NSF.

Chauhan confirmed that he received the letter. He urged the ministry to grant NSF status to DCCI.

"...it is not just us but multiple sports bodies have been notified that they can't use the word India since they are not Registered NSF. My plea to ministry would be to accord us NSF status as we have been running the Differently Abled Cricket in the country."

He listed the council’s achievements. He said, "We have organised World Cups, Asia Cups, national tournaments as well bilateral series. Our national team has played in England, Sri Lanka. The BCCI also recognises us,"

Chauhan also asked the ministry to act against other similar bodies. He said, "There is CABI (Cricket Association for Blind), the Wheelchair Association, Association for speech and hearing impaired players. I believe everyone should get this notification from Ministry,"

New Law Strengthens Oversight

A ministry source said the National Sports Governance Act now requires all sports bodies to seek approval from the National Sports Board. The government has not yet formed this board. Still, organisations must obtain its clearance before they receive official recognition.

Taekwondo Bodies Lose Recognition

In a separate action, the ministry withdrew recognition from the Taekwondo Federation of India. It also denied recognition to India Taekwondo.

The ministry acted after the Delhi High Court directed both factions to justify their claims.

The ministry stated, "...upon further examination, it has been observed that the Constitution/Memorandum of Association (MoA)/Bye-laws of Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo are not fully in conformity with the Sports Code...it is observed that, as on date, both the parties' viz., Taekwondo Federation of India and India Taekwondo do not fully meet the conditions prescribed in the guidelines for recognition of NSFs as contained in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011."

It added, "...at present, neither of the above said two Federations qualifies for grant of government recognition...in compliance of the directions of the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi dated 06.01.2026, it has been decided that, as neither Taekwondo Federation of India nor India Taekwondo fully meet the criteria prescribed in the Sports Code for grant of recognition."

Stricter Enforcement Begins

The ministry has tightened compliance rules. It now enforces recognition standards more strictly. Sports bodies must align with the Sports Code. Without NSF status, they cannot use national identifiers.