IOA President N Ramachandran likely to be replaced in February

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President N Ramachandran's tenure as the Olympic governing body's Chief is all set to come to a screeching halt after a rival faction led by General Secretary Rajeev Mehta unanimously voted for the election of a new leader in February next year.

Among other decisions, the Annual General Meeting was also shifted to New Delhi from Chennai, despite repeated protests from Ramachandran and various other state associations. There were as many as 21 executive council members present at the meeting, who wanted the administrator to be replaced via a 'no-confidence' motion.

Speaking after the meeting to Sportskeeda, Ramachandran said, "Whatever was discussed in the meeting is confidential and that's something I cannot discuss with the media, but on a personal front, I'm not yet sure whether I will be fighting the elections this time. This is a decision I have to take consulting my family members and various other well-wishers. As of now I have not taken a decision on it."

A member of the Mehta faction opposed Ramachandran's re-election, he said, "During his tenure, no decision was taken by consulting the various executive council members. It was mostly down to his wishes. A lot of talks were held between all members and its unanimous decision, he needs to replaced by a new President in February. Several members wanted to apply the no-confidence motion now itself. But, he will have time until the election in February. Even if he does decide to stand, the numbers are against him, so he should take a wise decision."

Several members indicated FIH President Narinder Batra as the front-runner to replace Ramachandran in February. Secretary Rajeev Mehta said, "During his tenure, he (Ramachandra) has done a lot of good work for the IOA, especially helping IOA stabilise financially. However, it is a unanimous decision from most members to replace him and we adhere to International Olympic Committee (IOC) rules while doing the same."

Mehta also stated that they received a letter from the IOC about the election in February. He added, "I cannot say who is the frontrunner or who is not, all I can say is that the elections will adhere to the doctrine set up by the IOC. Not just Batra, but anyone can contest the polls as long as there are no complications with their current post."

With less than three months to go for the elections, it looks highly unlikely that the Chennai-based administrator will return as India's Olympic Chief.