IOA`s suspension by IOC will be solved soon: Hashmi

Jamshedpur: Newly elected joint secretary of Indian Olympic Association S M Hashmi on Thursday expressed confidence that the issue of IOA`s suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be solved soon as the government has already taken up the issue with the later.

A delegation of IOA will meet the IOC officials to discuss the issue soon, Hashmi, who is also the Secretary General of Jharkhand Olympic Association (JOA), told PTI today. Besides the Secretary (Sports Ministry), Government of India has already written a letter to IOC recently in regard with the issue and assured that there will be no interference with the Olympic Charter set by the International body, he said. Asked when would the IOA officials meet the IOC counterparts, Hashmi said a decision would be taken in this connection at the next meeting of IOA, which was expected to be held soon. Barring the country`s participation in Asian Games and Olympics, India can take part or host any other championship in the country, Hashmi replied when asked whether JOA can host the proposed SAF Games next year in view of the suspension. The JOA secretary general said we have strongly made our bid to host the next SAF Games in Ranchi in 2013, and expressed hope the issue would also be taken up in the next meeting of the IOA. Jharkhand Government has also expressed its willingness to host the SAF Games following the grand success of the 34th National Games held in February 2011, he claimed. PTI