New Delhi: Sports Minister Jitendra Singh Thursday asserted that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) should toe the line of International Olympic Committee (IOC) which bars chargesheeted officials to continue in and run for office.
Jitendra Singh's comments came after the IOC rejected the request of the suspended IOA to allow tainted officials to run the national body.
"There are certains clauses with which IOC has a problem. The main issue is of ethics and good governance. So, I hope better sense prevails and the IOA incorporates the changes which the IOC has suggested," Jitendrra Singh told a TV channel.
"I don't think there should be a problem in incorporating these changes as it is a part of the Olympic Charter. It is nothing new that the IOC is saying."
He lamented at the sad state of affairs in IOA.
"It is sad that the IOA did not modify their constitution as per the Olympic Charter.
"I would like to request the IOA to consider the modifications in their constitution, keeping in mind the interest of the sports persons and not some individuals' interests. It is unfortunate that some vested interests took precedence over nation and the athletes," he added.
On the other hand Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the president of the recognised Indian Olympic Association (IOA), regretted International Olympic Committee's decision against revoking its suspension of India but promised his best efforts ensure the country's return to the Olympic movement.
"The continuance of the ban is definitely detrimental to Indian sports and prestige. I am quite unhappy that India is out of the Olympic movement at the moment," said Malhotra in a statement.
The veteran sports administrator requested all the stake holders in the suspended IOA to stand united and find out a way to lift the ban.
"We have to follow the IOC charter. The only thing is they can have more clarifications here and there. Definitely, I am also of the opinion that people facing criminal and corruption charges shouldn't contest the election. But we need see to what stage it can be made applicable.
"The government has also taken its view on it and gone to the Supreme Court. So we will like to study all these things and then convey our acceptance to the IOC clause," Malhotra added.
Malhotra said had no clue of what transpired in the IOA's Special General Meeting held here Aug 25 since he had boycotted it.
"I didn't attend the meeting because I as a president didn't call it. So, what transpired there I didn't have first-hand knowledge. But now I will have to discuss it with all those people.
The IOC executive board met Wednesday in Buenos Aires and decided that the ban on IOA will continue if the apex body for sports in India doesn't change its constitution to keep out charge-sheeted individuals.
Since the suspension of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in December 2012, the IOC has been working towards finding a solution to improve good governance within the IOA.
The IOC also provided the IOA with a roadmap and sent observers to the IOA's General Assembly (GA) that took place here Aug 25.
The IOA, during its Special General Meeting here, refused to incorporate the contentious IOC-proposed clause that would have barred charge-sheeted individuals from holding any post and suggested an alternative that would affect only convicted officials.
