Jitendra Singh satisfied with IOA decision to bar tainted officials

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh has expressed satisfaction over news reports regarding the decision of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to amend its Constitution to bar charge framed individuals from contesting its elections.

Singh had led a government delegation to the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne earlier this year in an effort to ensure that conditions are created for ending the suspension of the IOA at the earliest.

The issue of debarring charge framed officials from contesting elections or continuing in office was first raised then and the IOC was apprised of the support of the Government of India for such a measure.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has consistently supported the demand of the IOC that charge-framed persons be kept out of IOA.

It has been urging IOA members during consultations from time to time to heed the advice of IOC and change its constitution in the interest of Indian sports and Indian sportspersons.

Singh expressed happiness that all these efforts have culminated in decision of IOA to bar charge-framed persons and hold fresh elections of IOA in February next year.

The minister however, stated that the amendments to the IOA constitution would have to be studied and accepted by IOC before it withdraws the suspension of IOA.

Singh stated that both he and the Government of India would make all possible efforts to ensure that the Indian sportsperson were not denied their right to compete in international competitions under the Indian flag.

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensure good governance, ethics and transparency in Indian sports.

He further reiterated the resolve of the Government to usher in reforms in the management of sports in India and said that the government would soon bring a revised Sports Bill before Parliament for this purpose.