COA no more a divided house

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 23

With the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) granting affiliation to the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) faction led by Amarinder Singh Bazaz, the feud within the Chandigarh Olympic Association seems to have been settled for now.

The rift between the groups led by Bazaz and former COA secretary Maha Singh is believed to be over and all the associations have now agreed to come on a single platform.

The Bazaz led group was granted affiliation by the IOA last month.

Earlier, the two groups had staked claim to the COA and held separate elections to choose the office-bearers. The associations that supported the Maha Singh-led group were now fearing disaffiliation. However, Bazaz dispelled their concerns.

“We are here to promote sports, not to make enemies. There’s no question of disaffiliating any association, whether they supported us or not. We aim to work together for a bright future,” said Bazaz.

When asked about conducting the state games, Bazaz said: “Right now, nothing is on the cards due to the Covid pandemic.”

The COA has not conducted a single state championship in the past 13 years.

“The newly formed COA is yet to start functioning. Owing to the Covid pandemic, there has been delay in formation of various committees. Some of the groups which had supported Maha Singh have already pledged their support to Bazaz and others will be brought in soon. The COA will now be one single unit,” said an office-bearer.