Indian Olympic Association cancels Abhay Chautala, Suresh Kalmadi's appointment as life presidents

New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association on Tuesday has annulled decision of Abhay Chautala and Suresh Kalmadi's appointment as life presidents.

IOA president N Ramachandran said that no resolution to appoint Abhay Chautala and Suresh Kalmadi as life presidents was passed in the Chennai AGM.

The elevation of Kalmadi and Chautala kicked up a storm and stunned the Indian sports fraternity.

Under intense pressure from various quarters, Kalmadi chose to step aside on Wednesday. But Chautala refused to follow suit though he said that he was ready to relinquish the post only if the International Olympic Committee has reservations about it. He asked IOA President N Ramachandran to discuss the matter with the IOC.

Sports Minister Vijay Goel said that it will severe ties with the IOA if the decision is not overturned.

"Charges have been framed by court against Shri Suresh Kalmadi and Shri Abhay Singh Chautala. In the GBM of IOA held on 27-12-2016 at Chennai, a resolution was passed to appoint Shri Kalmadi and Shri Chautala as Life Presidents. Therefore, persons who cannot contest elections for any post in the IOA have been appointed as Life President of IOA, which in spirit is violative of both IOC's conditionalities and IOA's own constitution," the ministry said in the notice.

"In view of the above, the IOA is asked to show cause as to why IOA should continue to be recognised as the NOC and government support/assistance of all nature should not be stopped when it has failed to conform to the basic principles of ethics and good governance, violated the directive of the IOC and violated its own rules and thus has adversely impacted the standing and prestige of the country.

"Your reply should reach the office of the undersigned latest by 17.00hrs of 30 December 2016, failing which it would be construed that you have nothing to say in the matter and action will be taken accordingly," the notice said.