Batra calls for end to fighting within IOA

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra on Sunday appealed for an end to infighting within the sports body which even reached the upper echelons of the International Olympic Committee.
It started with a turf war between Batra and IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta and reached a point where questions were raised about the validity of the former’s election to the top post.
“I appeal to all officials and members of the IOA to shun infighting, and work collaboratively towards the best interests of athletes and development of their respective sports,” Batra said in a statement.
The public spats between IOA officials reached the doorsteps of the IOC and the world hockey body — the FIH — with a few officials questioning Batra’s election as president of both the IOA and the FIH.
The power tussle between the key officials of the IOA began when Batra told Mehta that he wants to take over a few responsibilities from him to “share his burden”. (PTI)