Kolkata: There’s good news for the The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), which is all set to win back its recognition from the Union Sports Ministry after it revoked its decision of appointing scam-tainted Abhay Chautala and Suresh Kalmadi as Life Presidents. The appointments have been rescinded so as to get acceptance not only from the ministry, but also prevent any possible action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
IOA President N Ramachandran, in a reply to a show cause notice from the Ministry, has explained that the decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala is not valid as per technicalities. Union Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas told PTI, “I have not gone through the entire letter, I have only seen the ticker. We welcome the IOA’s decision that it has gone by its constitution. Our statement on the suspension clearly states that it will be lifted the moment IOA reverses the decision. That has happened and we welcome it.”
Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary positions at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chennai on December 27, but the Olympic body was forced to renege on its decision after it was opposed by a majority of the members.
“This is with reference to the letter dated 30th December suspending the deemed recognition of the Indian Olympic Association which is uncalled for…a unilateral decision has been taken without hearing us,” Ramachandran wrote to Srinivas. The IOA chief, also claimed that even if there was a proposal to name two Life Presidents at the AGM, it did not indicate that the IOA had accepted it.
“In the Annual General Meeting held in Chennai on 27.12.2016, at the fag end of the meeting a point was raised by a member stating that IOA should nominate two life presidents. As no notice in writing was received at least 7 clear days as per the Constitution Clause VII no resolution was put to vote and passed,” Ramachandran stated.
(With inputs from PTI)