The Hindu : Sport : IOC writes to IOA on sports policy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 04, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport - Sports : General

IOC writes to IOA on sports policy

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: In its continuing efforts to mobilise international support against the attempt of the Union Sports Ministry to give shape to a new National Sports Policy, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has succeeded in roping in the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IOA on Monday released a letter written by one of the IOC directors to support its argument that the autonomy of the National Olympic Committee had to be preserved.

Unlike the two earlier letters that the IOA made public, one from the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the other from the President of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the IOC letter is just a reminder about the provisions in the Olympic Charter.

Impact

“We have recently learned that a series of measures and a new sports policy would be currently under study in your country, which might impact the rules and principles governing the Olympic Movement as it is defined in the Olympic Charter.

“In particular we should like to take this opportunity to remind you that, according to the Olympic Charter, while the NOCs may cooperate with governmental bodies, with which they shall achieve harmonious relations, they must preserve their autonomy and refrain from any measure which may prevent them from complying with the Olympic Charter,” stated the IOC letter.

The letter is from IOC’s Director in the NOC Relations Department Pere Miro.

It is significant that the two previous letters were written by the respective heads of the organisations, OCA and CGF.

The latest letter is from an employee of the IOC.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail