London, January 14: This is one bit of news no Indian sports lover would love to hear this festive season. After a year that was dominated by great efforts on the field and terrible controversies off it, the Indian Olympic Association is now on the verge of facing an international ban by the International Olympic Committee. If that happens, India will not be able to take part in the London Olympics. Can the authorities wake up at least now?
This was coming. The way sport is run in India is a known fact. That bad ‘run’ is set to cost India dear as the IOC has sent out a stern message. The International Olympic Committee at its Executive Board meeting warned India of a possible ban from the Olympics unless it resolves the spat over the country’s sports chiefs. After a two-day meeting here, the IOC executive board said India will have take care of a number of issues.
“Consequently if the situation does not evolve positively, the IOC executive board will consider taking appropriate measures and actions which might seriously affect the representation and participation of India at the Olympic Games and international sports events coming up,” the IOC said in a statement.
The international Olympic body insisted that the Indian government had agreed at a meeting here last year to adopt a jointly draft constitution while will respect the autonomy of the Indian Olympic Association and the national federations affiliated under it.
IOC’s threat came after the India government last year decided to limit the tenure and age of the country’s top sports officials. If the Indian government refuses to move from its stance, the IOC has the power to impose sanctions including suspending the country from its membership — a move that would prevent it taking part in the 2012 London Olympics.
Join the discussion
Do you think Indian sport continues to suffer from political interference?
A. Yes. It will never change in India. IOC’s warning has come at the right time.
B. No. Our political bosses will never learn lessons till the damage is done.
–Agencies