Randhir withdraws nomination, Chautala to become IOA chief

Randhir's withdrawal from the contest on a day of dramatic development put an end to the bitter and acrimonious campaign between the rival factions in the run-up to the elections, to be held on December 5.

After signing his withdrawal before Returning Officer Justice (Retd) V K Bali, Randhir said he was doing so in the light of International Olympic Committee's warning to India to disaffiliate if the elections are held under government's Sports Code and that it would not recognise such a poll.

"IOC sent a letter two days back and it was clear from that letter that these elections would not be recognised by them and India face disaffiliation if the polls are held under the government's Sports Code," Randhir told the waiting reporters at Justice Bali's residence.

"The letter was written by none other than IOC chief Jacques Rogge and Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah and I, being an IOC member, cannot go against the institution to which I belong. That's why I am withdrawing my candidature," Randhir, currently an IOC member and Secretary General of both the OCA and IOA, said.

Within hours after Randhir's withdrawal from the contest, Chautala welcomed the decision and congratulated his rival.

"I welcome his decision to withdraw from the contest and I congratulate him for this. From day one, we have been requesting him not to contest the elections and to remain as an elder brother to all of us," Chautala said at his residence.

With the withdrawal of Randhir from the contest, Chautala, a former Indian Amateur Boxing Federation President and currently its chairman, will take over IOA President's post as the third candidate in the fray, Raj Chopra, also withdrew his candidature today. MORE