IOA constituted two-member ad-hoc committee

Tags: committee

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) constituted a two-member ad-hoc committee on 27 April 2023, consisting of Bhupendra Singh Bajwa, Member of the Executive Council of the IOA and Ms. Suma Shirur, a Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit from the IOA.

An Overview of the News

• Ahead of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, the IOA will also appoint a retired high court judge to the ad-hoc committee for fair and transparent elections.

• The WFI Ad-hoc Committee will be responsible for managing the affairs of the federation including the selection and participation of players in international events.

• The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the IOA Executive Council chaired by PT Usha, President, Indian Olympic Association.

• As per the directive given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the earlier proposed May 7 election of WFI has now become invalid.

Background of the constitution of the Ad-hoc Committee:

• It will manage executive issues like player selection and their participation in international games.

• The WFI president's election was originally scheduled for May 7 but the Ministry of Youth Affairs declared it illegal following which an ad-hoc committee was formed.

• Meanwhile, demonstrations are being held against former Indian wrestler WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for alleged sexual harassment of female wrestlers.

Constitution of Committee by IOA:

• In January this year, the IOA had constituted a committee headed by veteran boxer MC Mary Kom to resolve a complaint.

• The primary objective of the IOA is to support sports development in our country by ensuring the well being and care of the sportspersons.

• Her top priority is to safeguard the interest of Indian wrestlers and facilitate their participation in upcoming international competitions including the Asian Games.