Question : FORMATION OF AD-HOC COMMITTEE BY IOA

(a) whether the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC);

(b) if so, the details thereof; and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has suggested IOC that an Ad-hoc Committee comprising only eminent sports persons be formed as an interim measure;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the IOC and the various stakeholders including international sports bodies thereto; and

(e) the other steps taken/being taken by the government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) & (b) : The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has at its Executive Board meeting on 4th December 2012 taken a decision to suspend Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Reasons cited by IOC for suspension of IOA are IOA’s failure to comply with the Olympic Charter and its statutes, failure to inform the IOC in a timely manner, and as a protective measure against Government interference in the IOA’s election process. Executive Board of IOC has also confirmed that the IOA is not entitled to hold any elections until all pending issues are resolved and the Executive Board decides to lift the suspension. With this decision of IOC, IOA will no longer be entitled to exercise any activity or right, including financial support, conferred upon it by the Olympic Charter or the IOC until the suspension is lifted by the Executive Board.

(c) : No, Madam

(d) : Question do not arise.

(e) : Government has offered to hold a meeting with the IOC for discussing issues of good governance and fair election processes in Indian sports bodies. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports has also started holding discussions with stakeholders, including the National Sports Federation, the eminent sportspersons, persons from civil society etc. in order to find a way out of the situation created by the action of the IOC.