IOC warns Indian Olympic Association of ban if elections not held

The governing body has written a strong-worded letter to hold the elections in the coming days.

The Indian Olympic Association could face a ban by the International Olympic Committee. There is a growing concern regarding the delays in holding elections for the proper functioning of the IOA, which were due in December 2021. However, it could not take place within the time-frame due to the amendments in the election process.

“The IOC and the OCA have been following, with great concern, the latest developments affecting the Indian Olympic Association,” IOC said in the letter. "Should the IOA fail to fulfill its obligations and be unable to organise its quadrennial elections properly within the coming weeks, the IOC will, unfortunately, have no other option but to consider appropriate protective measures vis--vis the IOA, including a suspension, until the IOA can operate as normal and hold its elections in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the IOA Constitution,” it continued.

Holding elections to avoid a potential ban

The International Olympic Committee further said in the letter, “The IOA should have addressed and solved institutional issues internally, through the IOA's competent governing bodies, in accordance with the IOA Constitution and as per our recommendations and the usual approach that prevails within the Olympic Movement,”

It is imperative that the IOA convenes an Executive Council meeting in the forthcoming weeks. This is to be followed by an IOA General Assembly to mend any further internal blockades and confirm an election date, as the IOC suggested as the next course of action. 

It will be a significant blow for the Indian athletes if the Indian Olympic Association gets a ban by the apex body. The root of the cause is Narinder Batra, who was removed as IOA chief after the Delhi High Court nullified the post of 'life member' in Hockey India. He resigned from the post of President in the IOA and announced that he will not contest the elections. 

Fresh elections must take place, as soon as possible, to elect a head and a properly functioning body. IOC is also expecting an immediate response and an update on the next set of steps that the IOA will take.

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