Bowing to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) pressure, the suspended Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Sunday amended its constitution to bar tainted individuals from contesting its elections. A Special General Body Meeting (SGBM) here of the country’s apex sports body also announced that fresh IOA elections will be held on Feb 9.
The IOA capitulation came in the wake of IOC president Thomas Bach threatening to throw out India from the Olympic movement. The threat Friday worked and the IOA -- suspended since December last year -- amended its constitution in line with the directive by the parent body.
The IOC last month set a deadline of Dec 9 for the IOA to amend the constitution failing which it would recommend to its executive board, scheduled to meet Dec 10-11, to de-recognise India.
Reghunathan also said that the duo need not step down now and can do so after the amendments are approved by the IOC.
‘The House unanimously decided to amend the relevant clause in IOA constitution which would bar charge-framed persons from contesting elections. Both Chautala and Bhanot told the House that they will not contest the upcoming elections. In fact, Chautala proposed the amendment while Bhanot seconded it. We also decided to hold elections on February 9,’ said Reghunathan, adding that the ban could be lifted later.
The IOA capitulation came in the wake of IOC president Thomas Bach threatening to throw out India from the Olympic movement. The threat Friday worked and the IOA -- suspended since December last year -- amended its constitution in line with the directive by the parent body.
The IOC last month set a deadline of Dec 9 for the IOA to amend the constitution failing which it would recommend to its executive board, scheduled to meet Dec 10-11, to de-recognise India.
Reghunathan also said that the duo need not step down now and can do so after the amendments are approved by the IOC.
‘The House unanimously decided to amend the relevant clause in IOA constitution which would bar charge-framed persons from contesting elections. Both Chautala and Bhanot told the House that they will not contest the upcoming elections. In fact, Chautala proposed the amendment while Bhanot seconded it. We also decided to hold elections on February 9,’ said Reghunathan, adding that the ban could be lifted later.