Sports minister tells administrators 'put national interest first'

Sports Minister Jitendra Singh has asked the Indian Olympic Association to put national interest above all and sort out its differences with the International Olympic Committee so that the country's Olympics ban is revoked soon.

"The Government of India urges all concerned to ensure that individual interests should not come in the way of our national interest and good of sports. At the same time, the Government places highest emphasis on the standards of ethics and good governance as per the Olympic Charter," a statement from Jitendra Singh read.

Welcoming efforts to end the impasse between the IOC and IOA, he expressed hope of a consensus soon.

"We hope that a solution to the impasse between the IOC and the IOA will be found during the General Body Meeting of the IOA, which is to be held on the 25th August," said Jitendra.

The IOC had sent the revised draft Constitution of the IOA, which envisaged barring of corruption-tainted persons from contesting IOA elections. The IOA had objected to the provision, saying Indian law would prevail on these matters.

But the IOC, last week, refused to change its stance on barring charge-sheeted persons from contesting the IOA elections, saying entertaining the Indian body's objections would amount to undermining the Olympic charter.

Asked if some people are trying to hijack India's return to the Olympics, Jitendra said, "I would not say anything about individuals. It's very very sad and I feel upset about it. I think national interest has to be foremost," he said. 

Image: Jitendra Singh