IOA infighting continues despite IOC President Thomas Bach plea

Ramachandra could step down from his position soon

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been under the Sports Ministry scanner, ever since losing legitimacy in 2014, before regaining it back. However, the recent case of infighting in the association prompted Thomas Bach to promote the notion of unity for India.

But, the appeal by Bach seemed to have fallen on deaf years as Hockey India President Narinder Batra asked for a meeting, for a no-confidence vote against current President N Ramachandran.

Batra wrote a letter to the office bearers stating that most member disagree with Ramachandran on various issues. He also said that Ramachandran was “working towards weakening and finishing the IOA”.

A threat of gathering people for an informal meeting, if the demands weren’t met was also put forward by Batra.

IOC President, Thomas Bach has asked India to stay clear of such controversies and said, "After the IOA suspension ended last year, this was an opportunity to discuss how to make the future for Indian sport brighter.”

If Ramachandran is forced to step down, it will again bring the IOC’s radar on the already tainted IOA. Ramachandran was elected, during the 2014 Winter Olympics, after IOA lost its legitimacy due to not hosting elections democratically.