International Olympic Committee refuses to admit India into its fold

The International Olympic Committee has refused to admit India into its Olympic fold. In a late night decision in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, the IOC insists that the Indian Olympic Association must adopt the "charge sheet" clause for good governance. (Also read: Ex-athletes alarmed as officials fight to delay India's return fold to Olympics)

In a statement on Thursday, IOC has said: "The Executive Board heard a report that the IOA's General Assembly had approved most of the amendments to the IOA's constitution requested by the IOC, but one specific clause had not been adopted. This clause, which deals specifically with the eligibility of members, is key to the good governance of the NOC and needs to be fully accepted before the suspended IOA can proceed with the elections. An official notification of the IOC's position will be sent to the IOA." (Read: India and athletes entourage on IOC menu)

 

IOA vice-president Tarlochan Singh said in Delhi on Thursday that there was "no formal intimation" and the "charge sheet clause was an ordinary issue".(Related read: Wrestling set for final pitch to International Olympic Committee)

IOA has been in exile since last December when the IOC's executive board suspended India after Lalit Bhanot, who is facing corruption charges linked to the scandal-hit New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010, was elected secretary-general of the IOA. (Watch: Need to find a way to lift the Olympics ban: Acting IOA president VK Malhotra)



The IOC wanted the IOA to amend its constitution so that officials facing criminal or corruption proceedings in court would be kept out of the IOA election process. The IOC has even received support from the Indian sports minister Jitendra Singh, who also wants a 'clean' process in the national Olympic committee.

The IOC versus IOA stand-off intensified on August 25 when the IOA general body rejected the IOC's demand. The IOA's general body decided to bar only those who had been convicted and not just charged.

"We have accepted all the amendments proposed by the IOC, except the charge sheet clause," senior sports official S Reghunathan, who chaired the meeting, had told reporters. He added that the amendment was in keeping with Indian law, which says that those facing charges are allowed to contest parliamentary elections since they are innocent until proven guilty.

"We have modified that clause so that only those persons who have been convicted by a court for a jail term of two or more years will not be able to contest elections." It meant Bhanot was eligible for elections. Tarlochan told reporters on Thursday that any amendment can be done by the general body and has to be adopted by two-third members of the house.

Till IOC admits IOA, Indian athletes will continue to participate in IOC or Olympic Council of Asia-sanctioned events under the IOC banner.