CHENNAI: The fight between the sports ministry and Indian Olympic Association intensified after Abhay Singh Chautala refused to accept the sport ministry’s diktat on Thursday. He even took a dig at the sports minister by saying he knew what he was doing in Rio during the Olympics.
“I’m personally aware of the conduct of Minister of Sports at Rio where IOC had questioned the behaviour of the Minister and his associates and threatened to withdraw his accreditation. I do not wish to dwell more on this subject as I do not want to embarrass the Minister. If necessary, I will brief the Hon’ble Prime Minister on this issue of Rio Olympics.”
The minister apparently was warned by organisers that the accreditation of his associates would be withdrawn if they infringe upon organisers’ authority. The ministry on Wednesday had asked IOA to remove Chautala and Commonwealth Games-scandal hit Suresh Kalmadi from the posts of Life President. The Sports Minister Vijay Goel remained adamant and said even Chautala should be removed. However, Chautala was unmoved by ministry’s diktat. He said he would step down only if the IOC objects.
“I wish to thank the IOA for nominating me to the ceremonial position of Lifetime President and I have already informed the president of IOA, through a separate letter, that if IOC is not favourably inclined to my taking over as Life President after the (IOA) president has had an opportunity of discussing this matter personally with IOC, I will be pleased to sacrifice my position in the best interest of Indian sports, sportspersons, good governance, transparency and cleanliness in Indian sports,” Chautala said.
Taking a dig at the sports minister, he said: “I am surprised at the reaction of the Minister of Sports Shri Vijay Goel and the media attention which was given to this ceremonial recognition for my humble contribution to sports. I have made sacrifices in 2013 by resigning from the post of president, although I was elected in accordance with IOA Constitution,” said Chautala.
Interestingly, the event has led to a division in the IOA too. The move that was not on the agenda has drawn criticism from within the IOA. Hockey India has already shot a letter saying it doesn’t approve of the move. Likewise, the shooting federation. One of the affiliated units has even questioned the move of the IOA.
“Everything was going on fine and there was no need for such a move,” said one members. “What was surprising is that no one was consulted before the names were proposed.” One member feared this might once again costly for IOA president N Ramachandran.