Sports minister happy with IOA's constitution amendment

Union Sports Minister Jitendra Singh expressed satisfaction over the Indian Olympic Association's decision to bar charge-framed individuals from contesting its elections by bringing in a constitutional amendment.

Facing derecognition from the International Olympic Committee, the IOA amended its constitution at its Special General Body meeting on Sunday.

A statement from the ministry stated that Jitendra Singh had led a government delegation to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne earlier this year to ensure that conditions are created for ending the IOA's suspension at the earliest.

"The issue of debarring charge framed officials from contesting elections or continuing in office was first raised then and the IOC was apprised of the support of the Government of India for such a measure," read the statement.

The government has supported the demand of the IOC that charge-framed persons be kept out of the IOA.

"Shri Jitendra Singh expressed happiness that all these efforts have culminated in decision of IOA to bar charge-framed persons and hold fresh elections of IOA in February next year," the statement added.

Image: Jitendra Singh