IOC warns of `appropriate measures` against India

International Olympic Committee has warned of "appropriate measures" against India in its next executive board meeting this July if sports ministry goes ahead with a legislation which puts a limit on the age and tenure of heads.

London: The International Olympic Committee has warned of "appropriate measures" against India in its next executive board meeting this July if the country`s sports ministry goes ahead with a legislation which puts a limit on the age and tenure of sports federation heads.

The IOC`s stern warning comes after the Sports Ministry refused to budge from its stand despite getting a letter from the body. After a meeting of its executive board here, the IOC said the proposed legislation does not adhere to the points that were agreed upon in its meeting with the Indian Olympic Association and representatives of the Indian government last June in Lausanne."It appears that the government of India is still failing to respect the jurisdiction and autonomy of the National Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement in the country and that it is now in the process of drafting new sports legislation, which may not be compatible with the Olympic Charter and the basic principles which govern the Olympic Movement," the IOC said in a statement after the conclusion of the meeting. "Consequently, the EB clearly indicated that it would reserve its right to consider appropriate measures at its next meeting in early July 2011 in Durban.”"This may unfortunately impact the representation and participation of India on the international sports scene and at the Olympic Games, in particular, if the government of India does not observe its commitment to respect the jurisdiction and autonomy of the NOC and the Olympic Movement in the country," it added. The ministry has, however, remained steadfast on the matter, insisting that the new legislation was needed to curb malpractices in the running of sports federations in India. PTI