Kalmadi, Chautala made IOA life presidents

Scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala were made honorary life presidents of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in Chennai on Tuesday.

The decision to appoint both the former IOA presidents was taken at the IOA's Annual General Body Meeting here.

According to media reports, the proposal of appointing the duo was unanimously accepted at the IOA AGM members.

Chautala is the former Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) chief and his term at the helm of IOA was full of controversy. He also faced "charges of corruption".

Kalmadi, whose conduct around the 2010 Commonwealth Games came under scrutiny, has also helmed the national Olympic association for 15 years.

Reacting to the development, Sports Minister Vijay Goel has said that the government is shocked with IOA's decision.

"We are shocked at the resolution passed by the IOA to make Suresh kalmadi and Abhay Chautala Life Presidents of the IOA which is totally unacceptable to us as both of them are facing serious corruption and criminal charges," Goel said in New Delhi.

"In fact IOA was suspended by IOC (international Olympic Council) when Abhay Chautala and Lalit Bhanot were elected as office bearers of IOA and the suspension was lifted only when the two were removed from the management," he added.

"Sports is for public good and sports governance is a public function and, therefore, it is governed by Public law. We have sought details and on receipt of complete report we shall review the whole situation and take appropriate action.

--IANS

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