IOA will not reply today, will consult IOC first

New Delhi, Dec. 29: The 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 said.

“Moreover, we cannot directly reply to a showcause 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, Kalmadi chose to step aside but Chautala refused to follow suit.

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 Kalmadi and Chautala. In the GBM of the IOA held on December 27 at Chennai, a resolution was passed to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala as life presidents. Therefore, persons who cannot contest elections for any post in the IOA have been appointed as life president of the IOA, which in spirit is violative of both IOC’s conditionalities and IOA’s own constitution,” the ministry said in the notice.

— PTI