IOA, NSFs seek PM`s intervention on Sports Bill

IOA and NSF have sought PM`s intervention in resolving the dispute arising out of the Sports Development Bill.

New Delhi: The Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations have sought Prime Minister Manmohan Singh`s intervention in resolving the dispute arising out of the controversial National Sports Development Bill.

A 12-man delegation of the IOA and NSFs presented the Prime Minister a Memorandum of Understanding, outlining their viewpoint on why they have rejected the proposed Bill. Led by acting IOA President Vijay Kumar Malhotra, the delegation told the PM if the Draft Bill is introduced in the present form it will lead to disaffiliation of the IOA by International Olympic Committee on the ground of government interference. The meeting lasted about 35 minutes and Malhotra later said the PM gave them a patient hearing and his attitude seemed "sympathetic"."He listened to us and said he will seek information from the Sports Ministry since he does not have much information on the matter," Malhotra said while addressing the media. "This bill is illegal, unconstitutional and draconian. Sports is a state subject and the government wants to take control of sports bodies. It will lead to chaos as the government will recognise or derecognise the sports bodies at will," Malhotra, who is also President of the Archery Association of India, said. The NSF representatives asserted that they have no objection to CAG auditing the accounts of sports bodies and provisions are made for fair and transparent elections, fair selection of sports persons and fair procedure for resolving the dispute.The delegation also presented the PM the letter written by IOC to IOA, threatening India`s suspension if the autonomy of the national apex sports body is infringed. PTI