New Delhi: The International Olympic Committee on Monday stood by the Indian Olympic Association in its fight against the Sports Ministry's hardline stance that the proposed Sports Regulatory Authority take control of the governing body.
"We have recently learned that a series of measures and a new Sports Policy would be currently under study in your country, which might impact the rules and principles governing the Olympic Movement, as it is defined in the Olympic Charter," the International Olympic Committee said in a letter to IOA President Suresh Kalmadi.
"According to the Olympic Charter, while the NOCs may cooperate with governmental bodies, with which they shall achieve harmonious relations, they must preserve their autonomy and refrain from any measure which may prevent them from complying with the Olympic Charter."
"We remain at your entire disposal should you require any further assistance," the letter stated.
The International Olympic Committee's support to the IOA follows that of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the Olympic Council of Asia.
"IOC is expressing their concern and reminding to keep and maintain the autonomy of the National Olympic Committee, which is responsible for the Olympic Movement in every country," the IOA said, acknowledging the letter from the IOC.
The Sports Ministry earlier had proposed a Draft National Sports Policy this year, which essentially indicated the setting up of a Sports Regulatory Body to monitor all sports bodies in the country.
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In reply, the IOA and all other national sports federations unanimously rejected the proposal, sticking by their autonomy.
They had said they would not tolerate any dilution of their autonomy under the garb of a Regulatory Body while reiterating its earlier stand that since the Draft Policy "contravenes" the Olympic Charter, India runs the risk of being banned from IOC-recognised events if the Sports Ministry goes ahead with the Regulatory
Body.
It had asked the Government to continue and strengthen the existing Sports Policy of 2001.
"The IOA and all the national federations unanimously opposed the Draft National Sports Policy 2007. We ask the sports Ministry to continue and strengthen the old Policy of 2001," a resolution adopted at a meeting of all the national federations had said.
IOA would meet officials of all state olympic associations on September 15 before coming out with a document stating their opposition to the Draft Policy in a month's time to present it to the Sports Ministry.
(With inputs from UNI)
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