IOA is back after showing door to Kalmadi, Chautala
New Delhi, Jan. 10: Forced to remove the scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as its life presidents after widespread outrage, the Indian Olympic Association is set to be re-recognised by the sports ministry, which said the decision augured well for governance of sports in the country.
The IOA decided to revoke its decision after a meeting here on Monday.
In reply to a ministry showcause notice, IOA president N. Ramacha-ndran clarified that the move to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala did not stand owing to technicalities.
“I have seen media reports that the Indian Olympic Association has cancelled the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as lifetime presidents of IOA ... which augurs well for governance of sports in the country,” sports minister Vijay Goel said in a statement.
“By reversing their earlier decision, which appears to have been taken in a hurried manner, IOA has complied with its own constitutional obligation and also with conditionality approved by International Olympic Committee. In the renewed circumstances, we look forward to partnering with IOA in making India a sporting nation,” he added.
Earlier, sports secretary Injeti Srinivas said with the IOA deciding to take a Uturn, its suspension also stands cancelled.
“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,” Srinivas said.
The appointment of Kalmadi and Chautala was declared “null and void” in order to not just get the recognition from ministry but also to avoid possible action from the IOC.