Anil Khanna rejects Narinder Batra's claims on IOA presidency, tells members his continuation will be in contempt of court

IOA vice-president Anil Khanna on Thursday categorically rejected Narinder Batra's claim that he is still the chief of the apex sports body, saying his continuation in the top job will be a contempt of court. Veteran sports administrator Batra was on Wednesday removed as Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president after the Delhi High Court struck down the position of 'Life Member' in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested and won the apex body's elections back in 2017. Khanna took over as acting chief after HC order.

However, Batra said he "did not contest the election for either president FIH or president IOA by virtue of holding any post that was struck down by the order of the Hon'ble High Court". "I currently continue to serve the IOA as President, till such time new elections are held," Batra said in his message to members, a claim that was promptly rejected by Khanna. "As per this (Delhi High Court) order, Mr.

Batra's term as President of IOA has come to an end with immediate effect on 25th May 2022. "Mr. Batra, in a WhatsApp message today to the members, has claimed that he is not holding the position of IOA President by virtue of his being a Life Member of the Hockey India.

This is an incorrect statement," Khanna wrote in an e-mail to the IOA members. "As per IOA Constitution and Election Bye Laws, representatives nominated by each voting unit must be members of the Executive Bodies of such units to be part of the Electoral College. Mr.