Malhotra’s presence does not matter, says sports secretary

May 10, 2013 |

Age Correspondent

New Delhi

Following Indian Olympic Association’s acting head V.K. Malhotra and International Olympic Committee member in India Randhir Singh’s pull-out from the crucial meet in Lausanne on May 15, the sports ministry on Thursday said Malhotra’s presence “would not have mattered too much in any case”.
“I am disappointed. I wish he could reconsider his decision and come for the meeting. However, Malhotra’s presence does not matter too much in any case,” sports secretary P.K. Deb was quoted as saying.
He, however, was taken aback by Randhir’s stand. “I hope he doesn’t back out. It would be unfortunate,” added Deb.
The duo decided to boycott the meeting after the world body inducted Hockey India general secretary Narinder Batra and Jharkhand Olympic Association R.K. Anand in the IOA delegation for the meeting.
Malhotra had earlier named a four-member delegation to be led by him for the joint meeting. The other members of the delegation were Tarlochan Singh, S. Reghunathan and N. Ramachandran. It is learnt that the rest of the delegation will attend the meeting as per schedule.
Randhir also sent a letter to the IOC, expressing his inability to attend the meeting. Asked about the development, Randhir said, “It’s an internal matter of the IOC. I will discuss it with the IOC president.”
On Wednesday, the IOC had confirmed in a letter that Batra and Anand would be inducted for the joint meeting to be held among the representatives of the IOC, IOA and the sports ministry.
Malhotra, who has been the only point of contact for the IOC after it suspended the IOA for conducting elections in December last under the controversial Sports Code, said he was surprised by the world body’s decision to allow a couple of names recommended by the banned Abhey Singh Chautala-led dispensation.
Malhotra, meanwhile, accused the IOC of adopting a contradictory approach that led to confusion.
“... Several communications kept us reminding that IOC does not and will not recognise the (December 5) elections. Elections are null and void and so called elected office bearers have no legitimate claim to represent the IOA.
“The IOC also held the view that it will never accept government’s interference in the affairs of the NOC,” he said.

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