IOA`s reluctance to amend constitution upsets Sports Ministry

New Delhi: Reacting to IOA`s reluctance to amend its constitution as per IOC`s directive to bar charge-framed persons from contesting election, the Sports Ministry today expressed concern over the ongoing impasse and reiterated that the deadlock must be resolved at the earliest.

The IOA, in a special General Body Meeting yesterday, proposed to refer the cases of those persons against whom charges have been framed for offences that carry punishment of a jail term of more than two years to a nine-member Ethics Commission. It, however, said that there would be no bar to contest elections on persons against whom charges have been framed for offences, which carry a jail term of less than two years. "The Government of India has noted that a Special General Body Meeting of the Indian Olympic Association has not agreed to carry out some of the amendment to its constitution, as required by International Olympic Committee," Sports Minister Jitendra Singh stated in a release. "The Government of India stands committed to zero tolerance on criminality in sports and adherence to ethics and good governance in sports in the country. The Government is concerned about the ongoing impasse between IOC and IOA and is watching the developments closely," he added. The Minister also insisted on resolving the matter at the earliest so that the suspension on India could be lifted. "The Government of India is of the view that the deadlock between the IOA and IOC should be resolved at the earliest so that the suspension of the IOA is lifted and Indian sportspersons/teams are able to participate in international sporting events under the Indian National flag," the release said. The IOC had asked the IOA to amend its constitution in order to bar charge-sheeted persons from contesting elections.