Boost to India’s Olympic and Boxing hopes

(FILE PHOTO) Indian Boxers (L-R) Jai Bhagwan, Sumit Sangwan, Vijender Singh and Shiva Thapa, before the London Olympics last year (Getty Images)

In what could be a very significant development in the light of the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) and Indian Boxing Federation’s (IBF) suspension, Abhay Singh Chautala is all set to be given the boot by the IBF.

According to reports from India Today, Chautala, who was the President of the now suspended IOA, is all set to be ushered out of the national boxing federation as a result of a coup that is being plotted by some of the IBF’s officials.

Chautala has been at the centre of the storm kicked up by the suspensions dished out to the IBF and IOA by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for having appointed tainted officials in both of the bodies.

“We fully support IOC’s chargesheet clause and he (Chautala) cannot contest the election as per our guidelines, adhering to IOC & Sports Ministry. Moreover, he has already served boxing federation for 3 terms,” Brig Raja, who is reportedly behind the mastermind behind the coup said yesterday.

Chautala along with Lalit Bhanot have been the two major causes of friction between the IOC and IOA, as the international body had made it clear that it wanted the two removed from the IOA. After no hopes of a breakthrough, it looks like such a scenario could soon be a reality if everything goes according to plan.

Brigadier PK Muralidhar Raja’s has claimed that the numbers, 24 out of 35 units, are in his favour with a majority wanting Chautala to be removed from the body. This could happen as early as October 6 with a meeting likely to be called to form an ad-hoc body which will be incorporated in full compliance with IOC and AIBA guidelines.

Chautala’s departure could prove to be a significant shot in the arm for India’s Olympic movement and could pave the way for the lifting of the suspension by the IOC.

The IOC’s charge-sheet clause, which was met with stiff resistance from Chautala and others indicted by the IOC, has now been accepted in principle by the boxing federation and an amendment in that light will be made in the constitution, much to the IOC’s satisfaction.

That will put paid to Chautala’s hopes of contesting any AIBF or IOA elections in future. That will also terminate his stint with the IOA which came about as a result of the IBF’s nomination for him.

“Hopefully our stand and decision will inspire other federations to follow suit & our sportspersons will again be able to participate in international competitions under Indian flag & our national anthem be played when our sports person stand tall on the podium,” Brig Raja concluded, hoping to send a strong message to everyone concerned.