New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association has pledged firm commitment to the Olympic Charter and to fight against government interference in the wake of its parent body’s threat of disaffiliation if it goes ahead with its upcoming elections under Sports Ministry guidelines.
IOA acting chief VK Malhotra has written to International Olympic Committee that the December 5 elections are being held under IOA Constitution as none of the nominations have been rejected under government’s Sports Code.
“Our Constitution does not adhere to government guidelines in election of Executive Committee and office bearers. IOA appointed a three-member election commission consisting of two retired Chief Justices of High Court and one retired High Court judge to conduct free and fair elections,” he wrote to IOC chief Jacques Rogge in reply to world body’s letter to propose IOA’s disaffiliation if the elections are held under government guidelines.
“Kindly be assured that the autonomy of the IOA shall be preserved and protected and no interference of any economic, political angle shall be permitted.
“The IOA firmly gives commitment to you that the elections are being held and will be held preserving the Olympic Charter,” wrote Malhotra.
Malhotra also penned a separate, but identical, letter to Olympic Council of Asia chief Sheikh Al Sabah. (PTI)