5 reasons why even thinking of appointing Suresh Kalmadi as IOA President shows how important sport is in India

#2 Lack of support from all corners

Kalmadi’s membership with the INC was suspended after he was arrested

The first thing that happens in India, more often than not, when someone from the political establishment is charged with corruption is her/his party instantly denies any and all allegations. However, in this case, Kalmadi was not able to garner the support of his party – the Indian National Congress – which suspended his membership when he was arrested.

Moreover, former Indian Sports Minister and leader of the Congress party Ajay Maken instantly demanded the revoking of the decision to make Kalmadi a Lifetime IOA President. Speaking against the appointment, Maken told Economic Times, "If one cares about sports in the country, then one has to rise above the political lines and the people who are 'charge sheeted' in the court should not be made lifetime members of the IOA.”