There was no need to consult govt before going to IOC: Randhir

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Randhir Singh is rather amused by Sports Ministry`s opinion that he should have consulted the government before discussing the contentious tenure limitation guidelines with the IOC, saying there was no need to do so.

Talking to reporters from London, Randhir, himself an International Olympic Committee member, said he went to IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to attend a couple of meetings and not to discuss the issue, as was being alleged. "I`m rather surprised by the Ministry view that I should have discussed the issue with them before taking it up with the IOC. The Ministry did not consult us (IOA) before issuing the guidelines, why should we consult them?”"Besides, I went to Lausanne to attend two important IOC meetings there," Randhir said. In a letter to IOC President Jacques Rogge, Sports Ministry criticised Randhir`s role, alleging that he kept IOC in dark about the situation in India. "It is unfortunate that the IOC member from India has not even cared to consult us before taking up this matter with you," the Ministry said.The IOA general assembly, which met here on May 18, had authorised Randhir to represent them in the IOC on this issue. "We authorise Randhir Singh, member IOC from India, to interact with the IOC on all matters relating to autonomy as enshrined in the Olympic Charter on behalf of the Indian Olympic Association and the National Sports Federations," Kalmadi had said in a statement. PTI