IOC issues guidelines on implementing amendments

New Delhi: In a bid to ensure absolute clarity on the constitutional amendments carried out by the IOA to bar charged-framed officials, the International Olympic Committee today issued a guideline on how to implement the clause to avoid "unnecessary speculation or doubtful interpretation".

In a letter to the Indian Olympic Association, the IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper has asked the IOA to properly ratify all the interpretations in their next meeting failing which the governing body reserved the right to impose necessary sanctions.

The letter stated a list of clause that the IOC expects the Indian body to implement.

It says: "The member (charge-sheeted person) concerned must resign immediately (and, if not, will be provisionally suspended) and will not be eligible to run for election. This mechanism must be implemented automatically and will be valid for as long as the charges are framed by the Court, as mentioned in this clause.

"The fact that 'the case will then be referred to the IOA Ethics Commission for further guidance' (i) does not call into question the automatic mechanism mentioned before; and (ii) does not give any authority to the IOA Ethics Commission to recommend to clear or reinstate a member if such member is still faced with charges framed by the Court, as mentioned in this clause," it further stated.

De Kepper also said that the IOA Ethics Commission may recommend further sanctions against the member concerned but it cannot reduce, soften or dilute the automatic sanctions mentioned in this clause for as long as the charges are framed by the court.

The letter made it clear that if the clause is interpreted or implemented differently, the IOC "reserves the right to take the necessary measures and/or sanctions".

Will try to ensure IOA polls before Winter Olympics: Jitendra

Will try to ensure IOA polls before Winter Olympics: Jitendra

New Delhi: Sports Minister Jitendra Singh today said he would try to convince the IOA to hold its much-awaited elections before the scheduled date of February 9 to ensure that the Indian athletes are able to compete under the national flag during the Sochi Winter Olympics, starting February 7.

India's return to the Olympic fold would be done officially after the IOA holds its elections.

The Indian Olympic Association, which has bowed to the IOC's diktat of barring tainted officials from its polls, has set aside February 9 for its election despite governing body making it clear that the Indian athletes would have to compete under the Olympic flag in Sochi if the polls are not held before the event.

"We are trying that elections are held by the last week of January or February 2 or 3 so that Indian athletes can compete under the national flag in the Winter Games," Jitendra told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of Olympic bronze-medallist boxer M C Mary Kom's autobiography -- 'Unbreakable' -- here.

The Minister, who personally led an Indian delegation to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne to help resolve the matter some months back, said he was glad that a solution was finally in sight to the impasse, which is now one year old.

"Any person with a criminal background cannot contest IOA elections which is a great thing. Earlier they could contest because of the escape route provided by the ethics committee but that door is shut now," he said.

"The IOA ethics commission cannot decide on that (corruption charges). Only a court can do that. This is a great thing, India has paid a price for this but something really good has happened for Indian sports," Jitendra added.

On being asked about the much-delayed proposed Sports Bill would be presented before the Parliament in the ongoing winter session, Singh sought to avoid any direct answers. "We have taken feedback from sportspersons and all stakeholders in sports. More or less, it is finalised. I am very hopeful that it will be presented in this session," he said.

The Minister took the opportunity to congratulate Mary Kom on her achievements, which include five world titles apart from the Olympic medal that she won in London last year. "You come from a family which had to work to sustain itself. I don't think there was a system in place to spot your talent. Our Ministry is working to ensure that talent is identified. You have already taken the initiative of creating more Marys with your academy. I wish you all the best," said Singh while launching the book.