Government suggests ad-hoc committee to International Olympic Committee

Amid the controversy over Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) suspension, government on Friday, suggested to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that an "ad-hoc" committee -- comprising only eminent sportspersons -- be formed to look after the affairs of the national sports body.

"We are going to speak to various international bodies to work out an interim solution. We are going to suggest an ad-hoc committee comprising 10 eminent (Indian) sportspersons to be formed. What we are saying is that please put in place an interim measure," Sports Minister Jitendra Singh said at a press conference here.

Three days after the banning of IOA by the International Olympic Committee for not adhering to its Charter while conducting its election, the Amateur International Boxing Association was provisionally suspended the IABF alleging "possible manipulation" in its recent elections.

Soon came the announcement that the government too, has suspended the boxing body, besides de-recognising the Archery Association of India with immediate effect for "violating the age and tenure guidelines" of the government's Sports Code during its elections last month.

"We are passing through a very bad phase. The government is trying to resolve. The government does not have direct jurisdiction over any sports body. We want to reach out to them, want to resolve it as soon as possible.

"I am primarily concerned about sportspersons, that is our priority. The facilities will remain available for athletes," the sports minister said.

"We are saying please adopt the Sports Code which is same as the IOC Charter," he further said.

Sports Secretary, P K Deb, said monetary aid for the two associations have been put on hold.

"For those associations the financial assistance has been put under immediate hold. Special funds for athletes will no longer be routed through these associations. That will have to have done by SAI," Deb said.