Anil Khanna Quits As IOA Acting President, Takes Dig At IOC

Senior sports administrator Anil Khanna on Wednesday quit as acting president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), almost two weeks after IOC refused to recognise any "acting/interim president". The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had, on September 8, issued a suspension threat, saying the IOA must hold elections by December this year. Khanna took charge of IOA after a court ruling ended Narinder Batra's reign as chief of the apex sports body in the country.

Khanna, who is senior IOA vice president, said he "respects" the view of the IOC but at the same time asked the world's umbrella sports body as to who will have the final authority to "decide and interpret the 'Law of the Land' and the Constitution of an NOC (National Olympic Committee). "Based on the Constitution of IOA, as unanimously approved by the General House and backed by a similar past precedent in the vacancy of the post of President in 2011, I took over the responsibility of the duties and functions of the President for a brief period," Khanna said in a statement.

He was referring to then senior vice president V K Malhotra taking charge as acting IOA president after the incumbent head Suresh Kalmadi was arrested on corruption charges relating to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

"This was confirmed by the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi on 24th June 2022," Khanna said in the letter addressed to IOA Secretary General and the members.

"I am honored to have been part of the IOA sports fraternity for the last many years having served in different capacities. It was a privilege for me to be part of the Commonwealth Games as Acting President where India did remarkably well." In a September 8 letter, the IOC said it will not recognise any "acting/interim