New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been given time till Friday to reply to the show-cause notice issued by sports ministry which has threatened de-recognition of the sports body if it does not reverse its decision to make scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents.
While Kalmadi has already stated that he is not ready to accept the honour, Chautala has remained defiant and has said that he will only relinquish the post bestowed upon him if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) objects to his appointment. Chautala has asked IOA president N Ramachandran to discuss the matter with the IOC.
Sports minister Vijay Goel meanwhile said Thursday that it will severe ties with the IOA if the controversial decision is not overturned.
“Charges have been framed by court against Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Abhay Chautala. In the general body meeting of IOA held on 27-12-2016 at Chennai, a resolution was passed to appoint Shri Kalmadi and Shri Chautala as life presidents. This is in violation of both IOC’s conditionalities and IOA’s own constitution,” the notice issued by the sports ministry said.
“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 ministry notice added.
Goel told this agency that he has no personal issues with Chautala but was forced to take such a step for the good of Indian sport.
“There is nothing personal against them. Mr Chautala has been charge-sheeted in a few cases. The ministry was forced to take such a step,” Goel stated.
“What the IOA has done is totally unacceptable. They have not adhered to the charter of IOC and had bypassed their own rules. “I hope good sense will prevail and these decisions are withdrawn. IOA should follow good governance and ethics,” the minister added.
Press Trust of India
