LAUSANNE: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday said it had held successful meetings with exiled member India, following its suspension over claims of corruption and political meddling.
The Lausanne-based body said its representatives held “fruitful” talks with India’s sports minister, Jitendra Singh, as well as members of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to discuss the country’s eventual return to the fold.
India’s IOC membership was suspended in December after Lalit Bhanot, who is facing corruption charges linked to the scandal-hit New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010, was elected IOA secretary-general.
The IOC said the South Asian giant a consistent under-performer at Olympic level despite its size and populationhad “failed to comply with the Olympic Charter” and there had been government interference in the IOA election process.
But according to the IOC, yesterday’s meeting in Switzerland saw Singh give “strong guarantees and a clear commitment that the government of India will fully respect the principle of autonomy of the Olympic movement”.
“In addition, a mutual understanding was reached to establish close cooperation between all parties concerned.
“It was agreed in particular that the drafting of the new sports bill will be undertaken in close cooperation with the IOA and the national federations and with prior consultation with the IOC to ensure that it will be fully compatible with the principles and rules of the Olympic Movement.”
In addition, it is anticipated that the IOA -- currently headed by interim chief Vijay Kumar Malhotra -- would review its constitution to improve governance and ethics before members elect new office-bearers.
“The entire process will be closely monitored by the IOC, which will issue a roadmap for the suspended IOA and all its members to follow,” the IOC added. AFP
