Three National Sports Federations presidents today pledged unconditional support to Abhay Singh Chautala for the president's post in the November 25 elections of the Indian Olympic Association.
Badminton Association of India president Akhilesh Das, Weightlifting Federation of India chief B P Baisya and Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said they would give full and unconditional support to Chautala as they want a young person at the helm of affairs.
"We three Members of Parliament from different political parties wish that IOA should attain new heights by becoming more effective, professional and resourceful. Therefore, we feel that a young, dynamic and resourceful person should be there to become the President of IOA," the trio said in a joint statement.
"In view of this, we extend full unconditional support to Shri Abhay Singh Chautala for the post of President IOA so that he may take IOA to the new horizons of success in future.
We also request our all fellow members to support him."
They also asked secretary general Randhir Singh, who is expected to contest against Chautala, to withdraw from the race as he has earlier announced that he would not run for any IOA office.
"We have very high respect for Shri Randhir Singh. But as we all know, he had himself publicly announced his retirement and written to each and every member association that he would not contest for any post any more.
"Therefore, we also request Shri Randhir Singh that he should guide IOA in Advisory capacity and, in that capacity, he will always be more respectable and an asset to IOA.
"We suggest and request Shri Randhir Singhji that it would be appropriate and ethical to stick to his words and announcement of retirement already made publicly and, therefore, should not contest for any post," they said.
Chautala has got support from Uttrakhand Olympic Association president Rajeev Mehta, Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association secretary general Anandeshwar Pandey and Hockey
India general secretary Narinder Batra. Cycling Federation of India has also decided to support him.