IOA in danger of being suspended after AIFF, Delhi High Court's 3-member committee takes over

The Delhi high court on Tuesday appointed a committee of administrators (CoA) to run the Indian Olympic Association. But why was this step necessary?

The Delhi HC's directive came after it said that the IOA was in 'persistent recalcitrance' to comply with the national Sports Code, adding it became imperative that the daily affairs of the apex body to be handled by the CoA.

The Delhi HC also said the CoA will be assisted by Olympic Gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, former long jumper Anju Bobby George, and archer Bombayla Devi.

The decision was taken as the IOA grapples with administrative clutter amid International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) warning to hold the elections as soon as possible.

Narinder Batra had to quit as IOA president in July after the high court ruled that his appointment as life member of ‘Hockey India,’ which allowed him to fight IOA election, was unconstitutional under the sports code. The IOC had then threatened to suspend the governing body if it failed to conduct its election within the coming weeks.

The development comes at a time when the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was banned by football's governing body FIFA for "third party interference".

Also read: Praful Patel’s ouster & a Supreme Court verdict, here's why FIFA suspended AIFF