The International Olympic Committee on Saturday threw the ball back into the Indian Olympic Association’s court refusing to change its stance on barring chargesheeted people from contesting elections, saying that entertaining the latter’s objections will amount to undermining of he Olympic charter.
“The wording of the proposed provision which reads ‘the law of the land will prevail in all the affairs concerning the Indian Olympic Association’ cannot be accepted since this would leave aside and undermine the Olympic Charter and the IOA Constitution,” a letter from IOC director general Christophe De Kepper stated. The IOC had sent the revised draft of the IOA constitution which barred corruption-tainted persons from contesting the IOA elections. The IOA, in reply, had objected to this provision saying that it may a lead to a situation of conflict in light of the Indian law allowing such people to contest Parliamentary elections.
However, the IOC stuck to its stand and issued a veiled threat of possible action against the IOA, reminding of its suspension and asking it to act responsibly.
“The IOC has never questioned the principle that till one is convicted one is innocent. However, the IOC Code of Ethics clearly states that the Olympic parties must undertake to respect and ensure the respect of the IOC Code of Ethics, which says in particular that they must not act in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of the Olympic Movement.
“The IOA (still suspended) must therefore act responsibly and must adopt a clear wording in its revised Constitution,” the letter further stated.
The IOA, in response, has decided to write back to the world body asking them to allow the August 25 General Body Meeting to decide on the issue.
“We are writing again to the IOC in a day or two, stating that IOC’s move would lead to legal issues. The IOC should not try to force upon these provisions on the IOA. We want the GBM on August 25 to decide on the issue,” a top IOA official was quoted as saying.
Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra. meanwhile, has applauded the IOC for not changing its stance on the issue. “As an athlete, I am extremely pleased that the International Olympic Committee is willing to clean up Indian sports.”
“I think it is one aspect which all athletes would like to have officials who have the best interest of Indian sports and athletes foremost in their minds,” Bindra said.