NSFs, state Olympic units begin process to amend IOA constitution

The National Sports Federations and state Olympic units on Sunday decided to amend the IOA constitution to make it compliant with the International Olympic Committee charter besides fixing up a tentative date for elections in the later part of August.

The meeting, called by the suspended Indian Olympic Association led by Abhay Singh Chautala, agreed to hold a Special General Body meeting next month to amend the IOA Constitution and also finalise the election process.

A draft constitution of the IOA was distributed among the members with the proposed amendments in it and they have been asked to give their views on them. The members were also asked to send requisition forms to Chautala to call for a Special GBM in July to amend the constitution.

"The NSFs and state Olympic units unanimously agreed to amend the IOA Constitution in conformity with that of the IOC. The House agreed that the timeline given by IOC in the roadmap agreed upon in May 15 Lausanne meeting would be adhered to," Indian Weightlifting Federation Secretary Sahadev Yadav told PTI.

After a joint meeting of the IOC and Indian officials, including Sports Minister Jitendra Singh in Lausanne on May 15, the world body had issued a roadmap for India's return to the Olympic fold. The IOC had directed the Indian officials to amend the IOA constitution by July 15 and asked them to hold elections by September 1.

"We have been given 10 days time to respond and send the requisition form to the (suspended) IOA president for calling a Special GBM in July. The tentative date circulated for IOA elections is either August 18 or 25," said another official after the meeting which was attended by more than 30 out of 40-odd NSFs and around 20 state Olympic associations.

The meeting was attended, among others, by Chautala and suspended IOA Secretary General Lalit Bhanot. Acting IOA chief V K Malhotra and IOC member in India, Randhir Singh did not attend the meeting.

Malhotra and Randhir, who were the points of contact for the IOC after IOA was banned on December 4 last, had also boycotted the May 15 Lausanne meeting after the world body included Hockey India Secretary General Narinder Batra and Jhakhand Olympic Association R K Anand in the Indian delegation.

Under the draft constitution that was circulated today, no member will be allowed to hold an Executive post upon attaining the age of 70 years.

No member can hold the post of the president for more than three consecutive terms or 12 years, whichever is less. He can contest for the president's post only after a cooling off period which, under the draft, is six months less than the normal term of four years.

A secretary general or treasurer cannot hold office for more than two consecutive terms or eight years, whichever is less but can contest for the post of president after completion of two terms. They can contest again for their posts after completion of a cooling off period.