Eye on ethics, IOC extends deadline

NEW DELHI: The proposed amendments to the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) constitution, it seems, have not gone down well with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Perhaps, that is why the July 15 deadline, set by the IOC to amend the IOA constitution for the extraordinary general body meeting, has been postponed. The 15-page draft sent by the Indian administrators to the IOC has not been accepted on the grounds that it doesn’t emphasise on “ethics and good governance”. IOC director-general, Christophe de Kepper, in his latest communication said, “The IOC is in the process of reviewing the IOA constitution as a whole and not limited to proposed amendments. The situation is complex because emphasis is not placed on good governance and ethics.” The world body has further noted that it needs more time to coordinate because it is looking for a long-term solution.

Hence, deadline of July 15 was moved. Kepper said in his letter, “The IOC will compile and send the necessary comments for the new IOA constitution.”

The IOA’s proposed amendment, a copy of which is with HT, is confusing and hardly mentions the tainted administrators and their future role in the IOA.

In fact, it was on the grounds of ethics and good governance that the IOC executive board had suspended India on December 4. The other issue was elections to the IOA not being held as per the Olympic Charter.

KALMADI TO CHAIR AAA MEETING

Former IOA chief, Suresh Kalmadi, who is also president of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), is expected to chair the meeting of the Asian body on July 1 at Pune. During the AAA congress, Kalmadi is hoping to get re-elected as president.