Kalmadi declines post of IOA honorary Life President

Scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi has declined the post of Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) honorary Life President, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

The IOA on Tuesday announced its decision to appoint Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala, who are facing corruption and criminal charges, as honorary Life Presidents. The decision was taken at the IOA's Annual General Body Meeting in Chennai.

Since then, the IOA has been facing criticism for being involved with the duo, with the Sports Minister threatening to break all ties with the IOA if it does not sack Kalmadi and Chautala from its posts of Life Presidents.

Kalmadi, whose conduct during the 2010 Commonwealth Games came under scrutiny, has also headed the National Olympic Association for 15 years.

But Kalmadi's lawyer Hitesh Jain, speaking to a TV channel, said that the former member of Parliament has taken the decision to not accept any post until his name being cleared.

"He has taken the decision to step aside. He had no idea that the IOA was going to do this yesterday and has declined any post till his name is cleared," he said.

--IANS

pur/vt