FIS recognises BSSA as national body for ski and snowboard in India

Belgrade (Serbia): The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has disaffiliated Ski Snowboard India (SSI) and granted full membership to the Bhartiya Ski and Snowboard Association (BSSA) as the recognised national federation for the sport in the country.

The FIS has resolved the long-pending dispute concerning India's national winter sports federation during its 57th Congress here on Thursday.

During the Congress, FIS President Johan Eliasch raised the issue of India's ski federation and sought the approval of member nations regarding the affiliation of a new governing body.


No objections were raised by any member nation, so, FIS approved the disaffiliation of the former member federation, and granted full membership to BSSA.

Addressing the Congress, Eliasch explained that the Indian ski federation had remained in a state of uncertainty for nearly four years following legal disputes and court decisions.

He noted that the situation had not been recognised by the Indian Olympic Association and the discussions with the IOA had led to the recommendation that a new federation be established and admitted to FIS membership.

He stated that FIS had received a clear and detailed representation from the BSSA and concluded that it was the appropriate body to be recognised by FIS.

India's Winter Olympian Arif Khan welcomed the decision, describing it as a much-needed step towards resolving the long-standing issue. He said the move would significantly benefit winter sports in India.

"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.

"Under this new framework, skiing and snowboarding in India will grow bigger, broader, and more inclusive, empowering athletes to compete at the highest levels while unlocking the immense potential of our winter destinations," he added.