IOA pledges commitment to Olympic Charter in letter to IOC

IOA acting chief V K Malhotra has written to International Olympic Committee that the December 5 elections are being held under IOA Constitution as none of the nominations have been rejected under government's Sports Code.

"Our Constitution does not adhere to government guidelines in election of Executive Committee and office bearers. IOA appointed a three-member election commission consisting of two retired Chief Justices of High Court and one retired High Court judge to conduct free and fair elections," he wrote to IOC chief Jacques Rogge in reply to world body's letter to propose IOA's disaffiliation if the elections are held under government guidelines.

"The election commission has informed me that none of the nominations have been rejected on account of government guidelines. All the nominations have been filed strictly and scrutinised in accordance with the Constitution of Indian Olympic Association," he said.

"Kindly be assured that the autonomy of the IOA shall be preserved and protected and no interference of any economic, political angle shall be permitted. The IOA firmly gives commitment to you that the elections are being held and will be held preserving the Olympic Charter," said Malhotra who wrote separate but identical letters to Olympic Council of Asia chief Sheikh Al Sabah.

In a separate letter to IOC Director General Christophe de Kepper, Malhotra sought for a meeting of IOA representatives -- Narinder Batra and R K Anand -- with IOC officials on December 4 and also requested him to invite Indian government officials to resolve the issue. MORE