Sports ministry suspends Indian Olympic Association

“The government has suspended the deemed recognition granted by it to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), until the IOA reverses its decision to appoint Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Abhay Chautala as Life Presidents,” sports minister Vijay Goel told a news conference on Friday (Dec 30).

“Following the suspension, IOA will cease to enjoy the privileges and prerogatives bestowed on it by the Government as the National Olympic Committee (NOC). All Government assistance, financial or otherwise, to IOA will also be stopped,” Goel added.

A day after IOA announced its decision to honour Kalmadi and Chautala, who both have a long list of corruption charges against them, the government issued a show-cause notice. The IOA asked for time to consult with the International Olympic Committee on the legality of the appointments.

“The government considers the reply of IOA only as a ploy to buy time. This is a serious violation of the norms of good governance by IOA which is the mother sports body and corrective action needs to be taken immediately,” Goel said.

“Although the government is committed to protecting the autonomy of sports, it cannot remain a mute spectator to blatant violation of principles of ethics and good governance… till necessary corrective measure is taken by IOA.”