Waiting for dialogue with India: IOC

JAIPUR: On Tuesday, the IOC executive board took an extreme step by suspending the Indian Olympic Association. The IOC made it clear that any activities of the IOA will not be recognized by the world body. However, the IOA went ahead with its elections on the next day.

In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pere Miro, director of NOC relations at the IOC, says that the body was forced to take such a decision after repeated warnings to set the house in order fell on deaf ears. Excerpts:

IOA has gone ahead and held elections. Apart from not recognizing the new committee, can the IOC penalize the IOA further?

The IOC does not recognize any such election and that is the end of the matter. As far as the IOC is concerned, Mr VK Malhotra was the functional president when the IOA was suspended and Mr Randhir Singh was the general secretary. We continue to recognize that and any further changes in the IOA don't really affect us.

Now that the IOA has been suspended, what is the stand vis-a-vis India's representative to IOC, Randhir Singh?

I'd like to make it clear that the action is against the IOA and not individuals. Mr Randhir Singh continues to hold his posts in the Olympic Association Of Asia and the IOC.

Has the Indian govt or the IOA approached the IOC after the suspension?

Since the suspension, nobody from India has approached us. We are open to dialogue. If anyone from India does approach us, we are ready to hold talks to sort out the issue. The IOC is keen to ensure that sporting activities happen in India smoothly.

What happens to Indian athletes participating in international events?

India cannot participate in any event held under the IOC jurisdiction as a nation as long as the suspension remains in force. That would include events like the Olympics and the Asian Games. When it comes to athletes, the issue will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. However, in single sport, for example Asian Table Tennis Championship which is conducted by the ITTF, the IOC will respect the decision of the governing body of that sport.

What happens to the Olympic quota places up for grabs in these events?

Quota places for future games are an issue for us. The Olympic Games is still far away and we do hope the issue with the IOA is resolved by then. As of now, if any Indian earns a quota place, the IOC won't really take any decision on that. However, if the issue is not resolved by the time of the Olympics, the IOC would have to take some decision. As of now, the IOC will just wait.

The Indian govt says it only wants to ensure fair elections at IOA in accordance to the Olympic Charter. Your reactions.

If the Indian government says it is not interfering with the IOA election, we would welcome the idea and we would want to understand the details. If they say that they are following the Olympic Charter, they should show it. The Olympic Charter ensures harmony among the IOC, the 204 National Olympic Committees and the laws of all the countries. Normally, we would deal with the IOA only. But then, in this case, we are open to discussions with the Indian government. We are waiting to have dialogue with anyone interested in doing so.

The Indian judiciary wanted IOA elections as per the Sports Code. How could the IOA defy the Court?

We respect the decisions of justice in every nation. But then, the judges will deliver their verdict as per the laws of the nation. The concerned nation should look at the laws regarding sport and ensure that the sports organizations remain autonomous and in harmony with the principles of the Olympic Charter.

Source: http://timesofindia.feedsportal.com/fy/8at2Etd0ha35N3fE/story01.htm

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