NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) split on Tuesday in the course of its elections,
with 10 office-bearers of various bodies led by former union minister and its vice-president Jagdish Tytler withdrawing their nominations alleging deplorable and degrading level of politics by some adamant people to damage its reputation.
In a statement, Tytler said the decision to pull out from the election was taken with a view that "we should not become part of the election which not only neglects the IOA constitution and Olympic Charter but also neglects the interest of sportspersons in India." He insisted that the IOA will be de-recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and as such the new body will have no standing in the international sporting arena.
"It is ridiculously shocking that a few people are fighting the election to form a powerless, defunct and dummy body, just to feed a few egos," Tytler said, urging sportspersons in the country not to be disturbed by the development but keep trying "to grow in stature, flourish in sporting events and continue making our country proud."
With Randhir Singh, a close aide of Kalmadi, pulling out from the fray, Abhay Singh Chautala, son of former Haryana chief minister Omprakash Chautala, is all set to be elected unopposed as the IOA faction deserted by Tytler and company.
While Tytler has withdrawn his nomination for the post of the vice-president, others who pulled from the post are Janardan Singh Gehlot, president of the Kabaddi Federation, Raninder Singh, President of National Rifle Association of India and Rockybul Hussain, general secretary of Assam Olympic Association). Judo Federation of India general secretary Mukesh Kumar has withdrawn his nomination for the IOA general secretary's post, Bowling Federation of India president Sunaina Kumari and Cycling Federation of India general secretary from the posts of the IOA joint secretaries.
Three withdrawing from the contest for the executive committee members are Sharda Murdia, vice-president of the Rajasthan Olympic Association, Avtar Singh Sethi, general secretary of National Rifle Association of India, and J F Kharshing, president of Meghalaya Olympic Association.
