IOA observer not necessary for poll

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 3

In a setback to one of the factions of the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA), who were planning to conduct secret elections by calling the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) observer, a letter has now surfaced wherein the IOA chief has stated that this exercise is not mandatory.

“...It has also been time and again alleged that sometimes observers are appointed with an agenda to settle scores with the NSFs/SOAs during the elections. As such, in order to bring transparency and good governance in the IOA in respect of appointment of observers, the committee faced initial hindrances from some quarters. However, it is now working independently without any interference,” stated a circular by IOA chief Narinder Dhruv Batra.

It further adds: “I have also examined the IOA Constitution and National Sports Development Code, 2011 (Sports Code) and found there is no provision in these documents except in the Sports Code in Annexure No.XXXVII – relating to Model Election Guidelines to be followed by all National Sports Federation at Form 14 & 15, signatures of an IOA Observer have been mentioned.”

“As such it is proposed that the above Sports Code Committee may look into this aspect and suggest future course of action in the matter. Accordingly, the Chairman, Sports Code Committee is requested to take further necessary action in the matter.”

The letter was shot by the group lead by COA President Amarinder Singh Bazaz. “As per this circular, calling IOA observer is not mandatory for conducting elections. The latter was sent by the IOA president,” said Chander Mukhi Sharma, Secretary, Basketball Federation of India, and member of COA.

Recent developments

In some recent developments, both parties, Bazaz and Maha Singh, were running from pillar to post for claiming their stake in the next four-year term. Fearing cross voting, both parties were keeping all cards close to their chest, and sources also claimed that the matter could be resolved mutually in order to avoid an ad hoc committee, which may be formed by the IOA in case of extension in existing conflict.

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