India, Nov. 14 -- The Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) on Saturday defended its status as a National Sports Federation (NSF) and the nominations of PT Usha and secretary general Harjinder Singh as its authorised representatives for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections on December 5, citing its recognition by the IOA and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

After IOA president Usha, who did not make the list of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM), was nominated by the IHAI as its representative for the IOA election, a rival faction challenged the IHAI's authority as the national governing body for ice hockey in India.

IHAI was called to present its case before IOA Electoral Officer Sanjay Kumar Srivastava ...