Kalmadi declines IOA post, Min showcauses body

Faced with a barrage of criticism, scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi on Wednesday declined the position of the Indian Olympic Association’s Life President even as the Sports Ministry issued a showcause notice to the IOA for its controversial decision. “I thank the IOA for conferring the honour of Life President on me. However, I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me to accept this honour at this time,” Kalmadi said in a letter addressed to IOA President N Ramachandran.

“I am confident that my name will be cleared and I will defer acceptance of the honour till such time,” he added. Kalmadi along with another tainted former President Abhay Singh Chautala were elevated to Life Presidents by the IOA at its AGM in Chennai on Tuesday. The move triggered a storm with the Ministry on Wednesday issuing a showcause notice to the IOA and also threatening to severe ties with the body if it failed to sack the duo, of which Kalmadi decided to step back.