Indian Olympic Association to consult IOC before replying to Sports Ministry

Indian Olympic Association is not going to abide by Sports Ministry’s direction to reply to the show cause notice on the controversial elevation of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents as it will first consult its parent international body, a top official said on Thursday.

The IOA has been given time till Friday to reply to the show-cause issued by the ministry after scam-tainted Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting in Chennai on December 27.

“The IOA president is out of the country, he is in New Zealand. We are not replying tomorrow on the show-cause,” the official told PTI.

“Moreover, we cannot directly reply to a show-cause notice like this. Under Olympic Charter, the IOA enjoys autonomy and independence from government interference. We will first consult with the IOC on this notice before thinking of replying,” he said.

“Normally, we would not have replied on such a notice because we are an autonomous body established under Olympic Charter. We may reply but that may happen after consultation with the IOC,” the official added.

The elevation of Kalmadi and Chautala kicked up a storm and stunned the Indian sports fraternity.

Under intense pressure from various quarters, Kalmadi chose to step aside yesterday. But Chautala refused to follow suit though he said that he was ready to relinquish the post only if the International Olympic Committee has reservations about it. He asked IOA President N Ramachandran to discuss the matter with the IOC.

Sports Minister Vijay Goel said that it will severe ties with the IOA if the decision is not overturned.

“Charges have been framed by court against Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Abhay Singh Chautala. In the GBM of IOA held on 27-12-2016 at Chennai, a resolution was passed to appoint Shri Kalmadi and Shri Chautala as Life Presidents.

Therefore, persons who cannot contest elections for any post in the IOA have been appointed as Life President of IOA, which in spirit is violative of both IOC’s conditionalities and IOA’s own constitution,” the ministry said in the notice.

“In view of the above, the IOA is asked to show cause as to why IOA should continue to be recognised as the NOC and government support/assistance of all nature should not be stopped when it has failed to conform to the basic principles of ethics and good governance, violated the directive of the IOC and violated its own rules and thus has adversely impacted the standing and prestige of the country.

“Your reply should reach the office of the undersigned latest by 17.00hrs of 30 December 2016, failing which it would be construed that you have nothing to say in the matter and action will be taken accordingly,” the notice said.