CHENNAI: The war between the government of India and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) became a full blown crisis on Friday night. The Centre, through the sports ministry, had engaged the IOA in a war of words following the latter’s decision to appoint the tainted duo of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents.
That came to a head after the Centre issued a press statement suspending the ‘deemed recognition’ it had granted to the IOA in the first place. “The government has suspended the deemed recognition, granted by it to the IOA until they reverse the decision to appoint Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents,” the statement read.
The sports body will feel the effect immediately. “Following the suspension, the IOA will cease to enjoy the privileges and prerogatives bestowed on it by the Government as the National Olympic Committee (NOC). All Government assistance, financial or otherwise, to IOA will also be stopped.”
sports@newindianexpress.com