Indian Olympic Association election set to be held in Guwahati

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 9

In a surprise move, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has decided to hold its election in Guwahati, Assam, on December 19. The decision was taken after a meeting between IOA president Narinder Batra and secretary Rajeev Mehta today.

Batra wanted to hold the election in Bengaluru as was stated in his mail to the executive council members in October. Mehta apparently objected to the venue saying the rising Covid-19 cases in Karnataka would be a problem for many of the delegates. Also, those travelling from a few states, including Kerala, would have to serve a seven-day quarantine as per the latest state notification. Karnataka reported 283 cases yesterday.

Batra stood his ground on not holding the election in Delhi, which would have been convenient for the IOA delegates. As a compromise both parties agreed on Guwahati. However, Guwahati reported 280 fresh Covid cases yesterday. It has cast a doubt on whether the election can be held in Guwahati as many of the delegates are over the age of 60.

“I do not agree with this decision,” IOA treasurer Anandeshwar Panday. “If Bengaluru was axed because of Covid scare then so should Guwahati. The only reason that I see for this decision is that Mr Batra is too scared to hold the elections in Delhi. In my view he is running away,” he added.