Jun.29.2010
19 June- New Delhi
The IOC, and government and Olympic leaders from India met yesterday, apparently putting to rest concerns over government interference with the Indian Olympic Association.
Concerns surfaced when the Indian sports ministry attempted to reinstate a law that imposed term limits on IOA and sport federation officials. The Olympic Charter says all National Olympic Committees must be free from interference from the government.
According to the IOC, “a fruitful meeting” took place between the IOC, IOA, and the ministry. IOC member Randhir Singh, who also serves as IOA secretary general, represented the IOA, while Injeti Srinivas, joint secretary for sports, represented the ministry.
“During this meeting, all issues currently pending were discussed at length and settled” the IOC said in a statement.
“All parties agreed to work together with mutual respect and understanding in order to develop and implement the principles of good governance within the Olympic and sports Movement in India in accordance with the Olympic Charter.”
The IOC stressed the government “must respect the autonomy of the Olympic and sports Movement and take place in accordance with the Olympic Charter, for the benefit of sport and the athletes in India.”
Everyone involved is looking forward to a “fruitful collaboration” in the future, the IOC said.