'Govt should have consulted IOC earlier'

“The Government has done a big mistake by going against the Olympic Charter. Now they are sending a representative to consult with IOC. But I think, they should have talked to the IOC before issuing the guideline,” Randhir told reporters.
The IOA secretary general’s remarks came a day after the government offered to send an official to IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland to clear the roadblocks and implement the regulation which seeks to limit the tenure of National Sports Federation (NSF) and IOA bosses.

Randhir questioned the timing of the regulation and said the Sports Ministry failed to understand the Olympic Charter which makes it clear that government cannot infringe on the autonomy of the NSFs.

Referring to the ministry’s remark that there was a conflict of interest in him being member of IOC and IOA, Randhir said the “personal attack” on him was unfortunate.
“This is very sad and unfortunate that they are questioning my credibility. They say I have some vested interests. They are attacking the integrity of a person who has dedicated his life to sports,” he said.

“The Ministry has no business to question my integrity and credibility as a sportsperson, sports administrator and IOC member. In sports circle the world over, people would vouch for my honesty in whatever I have done all these years, particularly to promote sports in India,” he said.

“Ministry’s grouse seems to be that I had approached the IOC without consulting the government. But there is no need for me to consult the government on issues relating to IOC and I’m not bound at all,” Randhir asserted.