IOC Map Out India Olympic Return

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to allow India back into the Olympic Games and issue a ‘roadmap’ to help them do so.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was banned in December for failing to meet the rules of the Olympic Charter during its elections.

However, impotent on Wednesday the IOC received ‘strong guarantees and a clear commitment’ from the Indian government to respect the rules of the Olympic movement.

In a statement the IOC said: “A mutual understanding was reached to establish close cooperation between all parties concerned.

“It was agreed in particular that the drafting of the new sports bill will be undertaken in close coordination with the IOA and the national federations, capsule and with prior consultation with the IOC to ensure that it will be fully compatible with the principles and rules of the Olympic Movement.

“The entire process will be closely monitored and supervised by the IOC, which will issue a roadmap for the suspended IOA and all its members to follow.”

The Indian association was originally suspended for holding elections on a government sports code and not based on their own constitution.

Lalit Bhanot was also elected as the new Secretary-General unopposed, despite spending a year in jail for corruption charges. The IOC ethics commission ruled that tainted officials could not hold such posts.

Jitender Singh, the Indian Sports Minister told NDTV news channel: “The road map has been decided to bring India back in the Olympic fold and more details are being worked out.

“The IOC has agreed to work with the Indian government on a new proposed sports code, which is a major achievement.

“The IOC, IOA and the government are on the same page.”