IOC controversy will be resolved soon: Chautala

With the sword of suspension by the International Olympic Committee over its head, the Indian Olympic Association officials met Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday in a bid to resolve the election dispute.

A nine-member panel, which included president-designate Abhay Singh Chautala met the minister and urged the government to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible. 

The IOC, on Thursday, made it clear that it will propose suspension of the Indian Olympic Association at its Executive Board Meeting early next month if the upcoming IOA elections are held under the government's Sports Code and not the Olympic Charter.

- Bhanot elected IOA secretary-general; Chautala president

"We met the sports minister today and discussed the recent confusion that has been created around this whole election. Let me start by saying that the result was fruitful and constructive," said Chautala.

"The minister has assured that whatever is required will be done and very soon you will hear news that along with the government, the IOA has resolved the issues regarding IOC.

"IOA acting president V K Malhotra will be writing to the IOC, and further we will also be sending a two-member delegation to meet top officials," added Chautala.

Hockey India general secretary Narinder Batra and R K Anand, president of the Jharkhand Olympic Association, will go to Lausanne to explain IOA's position.

"Batra and Anand will meet top officials there and explain our stand that the elections we will be conducting would be unbiased and in a democratic way," explained Chautala.

He confirmed that, officially, the posts of secretary-general (Lalit Bhanot) and vice-president (Virendra Nanavati) have been filled and the list that will be published soon will say "unopposed".

N Ramachandran will take over as treasurer.

Quizzed about Bhanot's appointment, Chautala said, "Everyone favoured his candidature, as he is still not convicted of any charges. He will resign from the post if proven guilty by the court. He has always helped in the uplift of sports. He has been wrongly projected as a tainted person in the media."

Chautala lambasted Randhir Singh saying it was he who was in a hurry to conduct the elections.

"The threat that's been coming from Raja Randhir's end is quite disappointing, considering we were never in a hurry to hold the elections in the first place," he said.

"After the London Olympics, during the IOA meeting, we had suggested that the elections should take place by December end. But he was in such a hurry that he wanted to get over all the electoral process by October 10.

"Initially, when we had asked for an extension, why was he in such a hurry? At that time he said there are court issues so we have to finish it as soon as possible.

"I think he wanted early elections hoping to become the president as he would have been unopposed," he explained.

Chautala urged Randhir to resign from the IOC.

"He should resign from the IOC, because being a member of the IOC he should have helped to resolve our issues with the world body," Chautala said.

"I think the only reason why he decided to withdraw his nomination is because of the fear of not getting the votes," he added.