Khanna took charge of the IOA following a court’s decision to end Narinder Batra’s rule as head of the apex sports body in the country.
IOA senior vice president Khanna said he “respects” the IOC’s view, but at the same time asked the world’s umbrella sports body who would have the final say in deciding and interpreting the “law of the land”. and a NOC (National Olympic Committee) constitution.
“Based on the Constitution of the IOA, as approved unanimously by the House of General and in support of a similar previous precedent in the vacancy of the office of President in 2011, I have for a brief period the responsibility of the President’s duties and functions. Khanna said in a statement.
He was referring to the then senior vice-president VK Malhotra taking over as the caretaker IOA president following the arrest of current chief Suresh Kalmadi on corruption charges related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
“The Hon’ble High Court of Delhi has confirmed this on 24th June 2022,” Khanna said in a letter addressed to the IOA General Secretary and members.
“I am honored to be a part of the IOA sports fraternity for the past several years and have served in various capacities. It was my privilege to be a part of the Commonwealth Games as the Acting President where India made a remarkable performed well.”
The IOC, in its September 8 letter, said it would not recognize any “acting/interim president” after Batra stepped down as IOA chief and added that he would serve as the main point of contact with Secretary General Rajeev Mehta.
“While I respect the views of the IOC, at some point, when the dust settles, I would like to ask the IOC who will decide and interpret the ‘law of the land’ and the constitution of the NOC in a nation.
“Will this interpretation be done by the IOC or even by the Hon’ble Courts of a Nation? Once the Hon’ble Courts of a Nation have made a decision after due consideration, will it be appropriate for the IOC to refer to one of the Hon’ble Courts? Different interpretation than the findings!!”
Khanna, former president of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), admitted that the IOA is passing through a tough phase.
“It is no secret that the IOA has been passing through a turbulent time in the last two years and elections are coming up within a few months and also because of the Hon’ble High Court order which may affect the future of some of the affiliated members. The concerns of many in our family have increased, resulting in continuous litigation for the past few weeks.
“Various factions of the IOA are clearly taking opposite stances on constitutional matters, including the interpretation of the Constitution and the position of the interim/acting president. does not recognize.”
He said that the government is making serious efforts to normalize the conduct of the IOA and the Supreme Court is sensitive to the views of the IOC to protect the interests of Indian sportspersons.
“I have already stated in my earlier letter dated 18th September 2022 that it is the duty of the entire IOA family to join hands and cooperate with the Government and take steps under the guidance of IOC and Hon’ble Courts. Principles of Fair Elections, Good Governance to be mutually decided as per the time-limits to be adhered to.
“In order to bring about greater harmony within the entire membership of the IOA, and to achieve the above objective, I have decided to abdicate from the responsibilities and duties of the President by the Constitution of IOA and the Hon’ble High Court.”
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