Associations hail court order on Olympic body poll

Local sports associations have welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing the Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner (DC) to appoint an administrator for conducting elections to the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) in March.

The associations claimed that this will end factionalism and will help players get better facilities.

In a significant ruling, the High Court has ordered that the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) elections be held in March. Justice Kuldeep Tiwari’s bench order on January 17 is aimed at ending a four-year impasse and ensuring fair elections.

The HC has instructed that the elections be conducted in a free and fair manner by appointment of administrator—no less than an officer of All India Services rank — to oversee the process.

“Office-bearers will hand over all relevant documents and records to the administrator and the elections will be conducted under the rules of the COA, Indian Olympic Association and the National Sports Development Code, 2011. After the elections, the administrator will transfer the charge to the newly elected office-bearers,” said Advocate Beant Singh Seemar who appeared for the applicants.

“The ruling signals a new beginning for the Chandigarh Olympic Association after years of delay and disputes. The elections are eagerly anticipated as a step toward unity and progress, paving the way for Chandigarh to host national games and provide enhanced facilities to players,” said a representative of a local sports association during a media interaction.