Indian Olympic Association revokes decision on Kalmadi, Chautala

“I have seen media reports that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has cancelled the appointment of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as lifetime Presidents of IOA. I am happy that IOA has reversed its decision which augurs well for governance of sports in the country,” Sports Minister Vijay Goel said in a statement.     

IOA President N Ramachandran, in reply to a showcause notice from the Ministry, has clarified on Tuesday that the decision to appoint Kalmadi and Chautala does not stand owing to technicalities.     

“I have not gone through the entire letter, I have only seen the ticker. We welcome the IOA’s decision that it has gone by its constitution. Our statement on the suspension clearly states that it will be lifted the moment IOA reverses the decision. That has happened and we welcome it,” Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas said.  

The appointment of Kalmadi and Chautala has been declared “null and void” in order to not just get the recognition from Ministry but also to avoid any possible action from the IOC. Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chennai on December 27, but the Olympic body was forced to reverse its decision after it was opposed by a majority of IOA members. 

“This is with reference to the letter dated 30th December suspending the deemed recognition of the Indian Olympic Association which is uncalled for...a unilateral decision has been taken without hearing us,” Ramachandran wrote to Srinivas in reply to the Ministry’s show-cause notice.     

The IOA chief claimed that although there was a proposal to name two life presidents at the AGM, it did not imply that the IOA had accepted it. “In the Annual General Meeting held in Chennai on 27.12.2016, at the fag end of the meeting a point was raised by a member stating that IOA should nominate two life presidents. 

As no notice in writing was received at least 7 clear days as per the Constitution Clause VII no resolution was put to vote and passed,” Ramachandran claimed. “It is also clarified that members can make proposals in the meeting but if it does not meet provisions of the Constitution it cannot be assumed that the proposal has been approved and passed in the meeting,” the IOA President added.