Indian Olympic Association Elections: Narinder Batra steps down – After being embroiled in controversy, current president Narinder Batra has decided to step down from his role. Batra in a statement has confirmed that he wouldn’t be running again for IOA president and hoped that India continued their efforts of bringing home the 2036 Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, Batra will continue to serve as the chief of the FIH. Follow all sports and news updates on Insidesport.in
Indian Olympic Association Elections: under pressure Narinder Batra declares, ‘Won’t run re-election for IOA President’
On Wednesday, Narinder Batra announced that he won’t be running another term as president as he turns his focus to his role as chief of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Batra is a former secretary-general and president of Hockey India, and has headed the IOA since 2017.
In a statement, Batra said, “At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockey5s, the creation of a new competition this year – the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – and the launch of fan-engaging platforms and activities, my role as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requires more time for all these activities.”
“Consequently, I’ve decided to not run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).”
“I feel that the time has come for me to leave this role to someone coming with a fresh mind and new ideas to take Indian sports to much much greater heights and also go all out to work to get 2036 Summer Olympics in India.”
“It’s been a privilege and a tremendous honour to serve in my capacity as President of IOA throughout my term, I’ve been guided by one goal only: the good and the betterment of Indian sport.”
At this stage, I’d like to thank all those who’ve supported me in the last 4 years. And I wish my successor and the whole sports family in India every success in the future!
Indian Olympic Association Elections: under pressure Narinder Batra declares, ‘Won’t run re-election for IOA President’
Batra’s statement comes in while he remains under investigation for charges for diverging funds. The IOA chief allegedly displaced Rs 35 crore of Hockey India funds for his personal use with a CBI inquiry in place.
Meanwhile, the IOA elections were due last December but they could not be held as per schedule following a plea in the Delhi High Court, challenging its constituent. It is alleged that the IOA is not in sync with the national sports code and the international Olympic Committee charter.
Indian Olympic Association Elections: under pressure Narinder Batra declares, ‘Won’t run re-election for IOA President’
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