GOI welcomes Indian Olympic Association decision

26082013

Government of India welcomes Indian Olympic Association decision to amend its constitution to bring it in line with the Sports Code

1.                  The Government of India welcomes the fact that the General Body of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has met today and agreed to amend its constitution to bring it in line with the Sports Code. It is also happy that Observers from the IOC attended the meeting. 2.                  Although the amendments have not yet been officially provided to the Government, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports understands that the age & tenure restrictions prescribed by the Sports Code have largely been adopted. Government of India welcomes this development and considers it a step in the right direction. 3.                  Shri Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports and Shri P.K. Deb, Secretary (Sports) met the observers Mr. Francisco Elizaide,  Mr. Jerome Poivey from the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) and  Mr. Haidar A Farman from Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)  impressed upon them the need to ensure that the highest standard of ethics are maintained in the Indian Olympic Association.  The Govt. has stressed in unequivocal terms that persons facing criminal & corruption charges should not be allowed to contest IOA elections.  The Govt. of India also emphasised that Indian Sportspersons must be permitted to compete in International Events under the National Flag and if dispute between IOC & IOA cannot be resolved quickly, alternate enabling mechanisms may be considered for this purpose. 4.                  The Government of India has made strenuous efforts to get the IOC and the NSF in India to sort out their differences. It hopes that this meeting will culminate in India getting back into the Olympic fold.