IOA Rejects New Draft National Sports Code, Fears Suspension From IOC

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has rejected the organizational reforms laid down in the Draft National Sports Code 2017. The IOA has claimed that it fears India might face sanction or suspension from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) if they go ahead with the reforms.

The IOA expressed shock over the government’s decision to seek response on the draft as it emphasized that Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju had pronounced the creation of a committee to explore the controversial stipulations such as age and term cap on officials.

These factors are facing a lot of resistance from National Sports Federations (NSFs). However, even after the proclamation by Rijiju, IOA claims that they received a letter from the Director of Sports at the ministry on October 24. The letter instructed IOA to send their response on the Draft National Sports Code by November 10.

Currently, the National Sports Code 2011 is applicable in the country even after new National Sports Code was sketched in 2017. The draft of 2017 proposed radical modifications in the 2011 Code.

The new draft proposes ministers, members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies and government employees to stay away from holding office in NSFs and the IOA. It also proposes tenure restrictions along with the age cap of 70 years.

The new Sports draft also directs NSFs to appoint CEOs, nominee Directors and an Ombudsman. Furthermore, a prominent sportsperson is also to be a part of the NSFs. The draft asks NSFs to form an athlete’s commission as well. However, all these recommendations have met a strong opposition from the members of IOA and NSFs.

After receiving the letter seeking feedback, Rajeev Mehta, the IOA Secretary General, wrote in reply that all members of the IOA have rejected the new Draft Sports Code as they feel that it messes with the sovereignty of the IOA and its associates.

Mehta further informed If the IOA is suspended, the Indian delegation to Tokyo in 2020 Olympics will have to participate under the IOC Flag and not the Indian Flag. Mehta said that is not what the Sports Ministry wishes for.

IOA was once debarred in December 2012 after reports of Government interference in the working of IOA surfaced. However, IOA was put back in place 14 months later after reassurances on sovereignty.

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