Statement of Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Jitendra Singh on his meeting with IOC at Lausanne, Switzerland

     

     Following is the statement of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Jitendra Singh, issued to the media here today:

“Subsequent to the meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) on 15.05.2013, I am glad to inform that IOC has decided to pave the way to lift the ban on Indian Olympic Association (IOA). It is expected that Indian sportspersons will soon be able to join the Olympic movement. A road map has been finalized in consultation with IOC and the delegation of National Sports Federations (NSFs). During the meeting with IOC, issues related to principles of good governance, transparency and accountability were discussed. 

In the meeting, the Government of India delegation reiterated its position that the government respects the autonomy of NSFs. However, as the government`s funds 40 to 90 percent of the budget of NSFs and as this is public money, therefore, the government needs to ensure that public money is well spent and accounted for. 

It was also agreed at the meeting that IOC will work jointly with the Government of India in drafting the proposed Sports Bill. 

The issue of restoring wrestling in the Olympic movement was also discussed. IOC has assured that it will consider and review its earlier decision”