Five new bodies under IOA umbrella

With the granting of provisional affiliation to five new federations, the Indian Olympic Association has formally started the polls process for the new set of office bearers. The day started with some drama when a Sikh group shouted slogans against Judo Federation chief Jagdish Tytler and a group of lobbyists with 'vote for modern pentathlon' stood outside the IOA office as the special general body (SGM) meeting got underway.

But the meeting was brief and after the end of it, Indian Golf Union, Ice Skating Association, Ice Hockey Association of India, Indian Amateur Luge Association and Modern Pentathlon were successful in getting affiliation with voting rights for the upcoming November 25 elections. While four had formally applied, modern pentathlon's case was taken up at the SGM and was granted a seat in the IOA, because the body qualifies since it represents an Olympic sport. There was a rider though, that these new federations have to complete all formalities, including holding national championships and assembling state bodies within the year, failing which they will be derecognised.

Acting IOA chief Vijay Kumar Malhotra said: "This was done as per the IOC's directive. Plus, we have also decided to appoint a three-member election commission to oversee the polls. One of the members will be a returning officer and the other can be supreme court judges," Malhotra said.

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