India looks condemned to an extended stay in the Olympic twilight zone thanks to the intransigence of its sports administrators.
Ahead of its 125th general assembly, the International Olympic Committee rejected a compromise formula put forward by the Indian Olympic Association on suggested amendments to its constitution relating to “ethics and good governance”. The IOC executive board, at its meeting in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, told the IOA to accept all demands in full before holding elections.
The IOA was suspended from the Olympic movement in the aftermath of its controversial election in December last year which saw the return of some chargesheeted administrators to its ranks. The IOC reacted swiftly, and booted India out until appropriate changes were made in the National Olympic Committee’s constitution keeping such executives out.
Union minister of state for sports Jitendra Singh said on Thursday that he fully supported the IOC’s stand, and asked the IOA to suitably amend its constitution so that the nation’s athletes didn’t continue to suffer. “There are certain issues the IOC is insisting on,” he said here.
“One is ethics and good governance. So I hope better sense prevails, and the IOA incorporates some of the changes that the IOC has suggested.”
The minister added: “I don’t think there should be a problem in incorporating these changes because it is a part of the Olympic Charter. It is nothing new that the IOC is saying.”
The IOC said in a statement on its website: “Since the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association in December 2012, the IOC has been working towards finding a solution to improve good governance within the National Olympic Committee.
“The IOC provided the IOA with a roadmap and sent observers to the IOA’s General Assembly that took place on 25 August. The EB heard a report that the GA had approved most of the amendments to the IOA’s constitution requested by the IOC, but one specific clause had not been adopted.
“This clause, which deals specifically with the eligibility of members, is key to the good governance of the NOC and needs to be fully accepted before the suspended IOA can proceed with elections. An official notification of the IOC’s position will be sent to the IOA,” it added.
Mr Singh said it was unfortunate that the IOA was still reluctant to amend its constitution in accordance with the IOC’s suggestions despite the fallout on athletes. “It is sad the IOA did not modify their constitution as per the international guidelines, international benchmark or as per the Olympic Charter.
“I would like to request the IOA to consider the modifications in their constitution, keeping in mind the interest of sportspersons and not some individuals’ interests. It is very, very unfortunate that some individuals’ interests took precedence over nation and the sportspersons.”