IOA set to amend constitution, wants to end impasse with IOC

Left cornered after being served an ultimatum by IOC, IOA is all set to amend its Constitution in a general body meeting on Sunday to bar charge-framed contestants from its elections. The Indian Olympic Association was left with no choice after IOC served an ultimatum on November 15 to amend the constitution to bar charge-framed persons from contesting polls by December 10.

The constitutional amendments Sunday would bring to an end the year old impasse between IOA and IOC. The world body said it would recommend India’s de-recognition to its executive board which meets on December 10 and 11 if the diktat is not followed. A top IOA official said  the special GBM has no other option but to amend the constitution as desired by IOC.

‘We have no other option now. De-recognition will be a disaster for India. Though some members feel that India has been singled out by the IOC on the issue of charge-framed persons, there is no other way out and we have to amend the constitution to bar them,’ he said on condition of anonymity.

The GBM is also expected to decide on the dates for IOA elections. S Reghunathan, who has been chairing the past two meetings, is likely to chair the Special GBM. The last special GBM meeting on October 27, which was also a requisition meeting, was adjourned sine die so that it can be reconvened at a short notice.

Suspended on December 5  lat year for government interference in its functioning and for allowing corruption-tainted persons to contest elections, IOA has remained adamant against IOC directive to amend its constitution to bar charge-framed individuals from fighting polls.