Embattled IOA may toe IOC's regulations

Constitution likely to be amended

Served with an ultimatum from International Olympic Committee (IOC) to either bar charge-framed persons from contesting elections or face de-recognition, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appeared to be heading towards accepting the diktat of the IOC and amend its constitution next month to end the impasse with the world body.

It is learnt that following the world body’s ultimatum on November 15 to the suspended IOA to either amend the constitution by December 10 or face de-recognition, a key Indian official has spoken to a senior IOC official who has made it clear that the country will have to face the inevitability if it does not bar charge-framed persons.

In a letter sent to the top brass of the IOA, the senior Indian official suggested that they will now have to fall in line with the IOC diktat as there was no other way out.

The letter also mentioned that an adhoc committee consisting of VK Malhotra, Randhir Singh, Anil Khanna, Abhinav Bindra, Manisha Malhotra, Ashwini Nachappa and Rahul Mehra could be formed after the IOC Executive Board recommends de-recognition of India.

De-recognition would mean that India would cease to be a part of the Olympic Movement and the country’s sportspersons will not be allowed to take part in any international event.

The letter further stated: “The ad hoc committee will amend the IOA constitution and the state units and non Olympic sport national federations will be made associate members without voting rights. Only Olympic sport national federations will get voting right of one vote and all Executive Committee members will have to retire at the age of 70.

“In case the IOA does not meet by or before December 9 and amend its constitution to make the charge-framed persons ineligible, then the IOC, in its Executive Board meeting on December 10 and 11, will recommend to IOC Council meeting in February 2014 to withdraw recognition of the IOA,” said the letter circulated internally among the top IOA officials.

“The notice of the GBM will have to be sent by November 23,” the letter added.