IOA AGM sidesteps doping issues

As expected, the Indian Olympic Association IOA constitution today underwent a major change at its AGM here.

As expected, the Indian Olympic Association IOA constitution today underwent a major change at its AGM here. Financial powers of its president, secretary general and senior vice-president were enhanced, and amendments were also made on elections to key posts including president and secretary general.

However, there was no discussion on the IOA8217;s anti-doping policy. Doping issues have rocked the nation in the past few years, including at the Olympic Games.

The IOA top brass today didn8217;t divulge on the issue. 8220;It wasn8217;t even discussed,8221; said one of the IOA functionary.

Doping brought much embarrassment to the nation at the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, followed by Athens Olympics in 2004. And the more recent was the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The IOA8217;s adopting of the WADA8217;s Code of Conduct involves many changes in its constitution. The Code remains toothless otherwise. And such major issues can only be discussed at a general body forum.

As per the amended IOA constitution, for those contesting elections to the post of president, secretary general and senior vice-president, it will be mandatory to have been a member of the executive committee for a period of four years at least. Currently there are over 35 executive committee members. That, of course, restricts the possibility of a factional group contesting all top posts.

The change in rules, says Kalmadi, was done on the lines of the International Olympic Committee IOC rules.

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Meanwhile, the financial powers of the president have been enhanced. He can now sanction expenditure of upto Rs 1 lakh without prior approval from the executive body. Earlier this limit was Rs 10,000. Also, the president has the powers to approve any expenditure up to Rs 50 lakh, subject to approval by the executive council.

The secretary general can now order expenses up to Rs 50,000. Earlier it was Rs 5,000. According to the IOA president, the 33rd National Games at Guwahati in the second week of February, are on schedule. 8220;The Games will be held as per schedule from February 9 to 18,8221; he added.