India, Indian Olympic Association, Dec 31: The central Government today suspended the deemed recognition, granted by it to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). However this is only until the Indian Olympic Association  IOA reverses its decision to appoint Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala as Life Presidents.  

After the suspension, IOA will cease to enjoy any of the privileges and prerogatives given to it by the Central Government as the National Olympic Committee (NOC).  All the Centre’s assistance, financial or otherwise, to IOA will also be stopped. 

Government issued a show cause notice to Indian Olympic Association on 28^th December, 2016 after the General Body meeting of Indian Olympic Association passed a resolution on 27^th December,2016 to appoint  Suresh Kalmadi and  Abhay Chautala, both of whom have been charge-sheeted, as its Life Presidents.  Indian Olympic Association is required to reply to the show cause notice by 5 p.m. today.  In their response, Indian Olympic Association today sought extension of time up to 15th January, 2017 to reply to the show cause notice as the President, IOA was out of the country and they needed to consult him. 

Government is not satisfied with the response of Indian Olympic Association since they have not given any substantive reply especially with regard to the non-eligibility of  Suresh Kalmadi and  Abhay Chautala. Government considers the reply of Indian Olympic Association only as a ploy to buy time. This is a serious violation of the norms of good governance by Indian Olympic Association which is the mother sports body and corrective action needs to be taken immediately as it is a matter of national prestige and public sentiments.

Although the Government has utmost respect for the Olympic Charter and is committed to protecting the autonomy of sports, it cannot remain a mute spectator to blatant violation of principles of ethic and good governance by Indian Olympic Association, thereby putting the image and prestige of the country at stake.

Hence, it has been decided to suspend deemed recognition granted by the Government to IOA till necessary corrective measure is taken by Indian Olympic Association.