The Indian Olympic Association seems to have landed itself in a pretty pickle. Caught between conflicting demands by the government and its “sports code”, and the International Olympic Committee’s charter, the IOA’s December 5 election now seems most unlikely. For its part, the IOC has made it clear if the poll — probably unanimous, with Haryana strongman Abhey Singh Chautala set to take over from acting chief Vijay Kumar Malhotra — was to go ahead, it would move a motion to suspend the IOA.
Till not very long ago, it was a two-horse race for the presidency, also involving IOA secretary-general Randhir Singh. The latter, who also holds posts in the IOC and the Olympic Council of Asia, seems to have sensed the way the wind was blowing and withdrew his candidature hastily, leaving Mr Chautala in the fray. Randhir Singh has also clearly played on the long-running feud between the government and the IOC on the Olympic Charter versus Sports Code issue, and deftly skipped out of the line of fire, having passed the matter as far as he could take it.
It now leaves the IOA with the unenviable decision of whether or not to go ahead with the election, and then face censure or even suspension from the world body. If that was to happen, it would be a body blow to Indian sport just when it seemed set to take off, as much of worldwide sport is held under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee.