Government suspends deemed recognition of IOA

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.

Government issued a show cause notice to IOA on Dec 28 after the General Body meeting of IOA passed a resolution on Dec 27 to appoint Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala, both of whom have been charge-sheeted, as its Life Presidents.

"IOA was required to reply to the show cause notice by 5 p.m. today.  In their response, IOA today sought extension of time up to 15th January,2017 for replying to the show cause notice, stating that President, IOA was out of the country and they needed to consult him," read an official statement.

Government said it is not satisfied with the response of IOA since they have not given any substantive reply especially with regard to the non-eligibility of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala. 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 as it is a matter of national prestige and public sentiments," read the statement.

Although the Government has utmost respect for the Olympic Charter and is committed to protecting the autonomy of sports, it cannot remain a mute spectator to blatant violation of principles of ethic and good governance by IOA, thereby putting the image and prestige of the country at stake.

Hence, it has been decided to suspend deemed recognition granted by the Government to IOA till necessary corrective measure is taken by IOA.

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