Ministry welcomes IOC's softening of stand on IOA

The Sports Ministry today welcomed the International Olympic Committee's decision to revoke India's suspension if the IOA holds its polls next year, saying that its own efforts have had a role to play in the world body's new stand.
The IOC has expressed satisfaction with the IOA for undertaking amendments in its constitution which would bar charge-framed officials from the body.
The IOC asked the IOA to now conduct its polls as soon as possible to ensure a return to the Olympic fold. The IOA has already set aside February 9 to conduct its election.
"The Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports (Independent Charge), Shri Jitendra Singh has welcomed the decision taken by International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Executive Board meeting to lift the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)," the Ministry said in a statement.

The Minister stated that this decision of IOC would enable the Indian sportspersons to participate in multi-disciplinary sports events such as Olympic Games, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games under the Indian National Flag.
"...The pride and prestige associated with playing for the country under its National Flag motivates and lifts the performance of sportspersons," he said.
"The Ministry has been actively engaged with the IOC in the resolution of the matter of suspension of IOA from the time when IOC suspended IOA on 4th December 2013 citing IOA's failure to comply with the Olympic Charter and its statutes, failure to inform the IOC in a timely manner, and as a protective measure against Government interference in the IOA's election process.