Mary wants solution to IOA suspension

 Sports
Dec 162012
 

Mary wants solution to IOA suspensionKolkata: Deeply upset with the IOC`s suspension of the Indian Olympic Association, London Games bronze medalist MC Mary Kom today appealed to the top bosses to find a way out to save sportpersons careers.

“We would be grateful if the higher authorties find a solution as soon as possible. I don`t want to suffer. We want to play with free mind to get more medals,” the five-time world World Boxing champion said here today.

“I am not a politician, I am a sportsperson. But we all are very upset. We can`t continue our career. If we can`t fight in the international meets, then what`s the use to be a player?

“With this (impasse), our training suffers. My boxing federation supports me but I don`t know what is going on. So I am focussing only on training and competition, giving our best to earn medals for the country. If they remove ban, we would be really grateful,” the 29-year-old mother of twins added.

The diminutive boxer, who won the bronze in 51kg category, said she does not have any competition right now.

“But in 2013, there is Asian Championship in May and some small meets for the youngsters.”

New to the 51kg weight category, Mary hoped her pet category of 48kg is introduced in the next Olympics Rio.

“I will have to discuss with the coaches. I hope 48kg is introduced in Rio 2016. Then I`ll try to give gold.”

Asked about being made one the national icons of the Election Commission, the Manipuri Olympian said: “It`s really a big honour. In politics, we want good person, good support.”

Asked on the fate of the upcoming MC Mary Kom Boxing Academy, she said, “I am hoping for something positive this Christmas, if it is successful then a lot of young talents will get to train in the academy.”

PTI

IOC tells international federations to examine India situation

 Sports
Dec 162012
 

IOC tells international federations to examine India situationNew Delhi: The International Olympic Committee has asked international sports federations to carefully examine the “complicated” situation in India in the wake of IOA`s suspension and take appropriate action to “protect the autonomy of the national federations” in the country.

In a huge embarrassment, the IOC suspended the Indian Olympic Association earlier this month because of government interference and its refusal to follow the Olympic Charter while holding elections.

The IOC`s decision has put a bar on the country`s Olympic participation.

Terming the situation of the Olympic Movement in India “very complicated” due to a combination of several factors such as government interference, legal actions before the local courts and lack of good governance in some cases, the IOC asked all the international federations to review the situation and take measures accordingly.

“We would recommend each IF to carefully examine the situation of its national federation in India in the light of the following criteria, in particular: Whether the national federation is affected by government interference in its internal operations (and the potential implications of the “Sports Code” and/or any other government regulations over the national federation),” the IOC wrote in its letter.

“Whether the national federation is in a position to exercise its activities in accordance with its own statutes, the IF regulations and the basic principles which govern the Olympic Movement,” the letter added.

“Whether the national federation complies with the basic requirements of good governance.”

The IOC said the international federations are open to take action based on the result of their investigation.

“Depending on the result of the investigation and the assessment made by each IF, (we would recommend) to consider any appropriate action or measure, if necessary, in order, in particular, to protect the autonomy of its national federation in India and/or to ensure that the national federation complies in all aspects with the IF`s requirements,” it wrote.

PTI

Stand-off between IOC & IOA is more of a legal argument: Anand

 Sports
Dec 122012
 

Stand-off between IOC & IOA is more of a legal argument: AnandNew Delhi: Chess legend Vishwanathan Anand is not too concerned about the suspension imposed on the IOA by International Olympic Committee as he feels the ongoing dispute is “more of a legal argument” which can be sorted out in due course of time.

The World Champion heaved a sigh of relief about the fact that there isn`t many international sporting activities lined up for Indian athletes in the upcoming months, which means all the concerned parties will get ample time to sort out the issue.

“It`s good that it (the suspension) happened after the (London) Olympics. Frankly speaking, I am not too worried because there are solutions for Indian athletes even if the suspension remains. If they are good enough, they can compete under the IOC flag,” Anand said here today.

“Next Olympics is three years away and there is plenty of time for the next Asian Games also. So, there is time to fix the issue which is more of legal argument. It can be managed.

“So, let`s not lose the focus on the training of the athletes and what organisations like Olympic Gold Quest are doing for Indian athletes,” he added.

Talking about his next year`s plans, Anand, who won the `CNN-IBN Indian of the Year` Award this year for successfully defending his world champion crown since 2007, said: “I have a lot of tournaments lined up in the first half of the year.

“I have a full calendar till June. In general, I want to play well and a lot of chess this year because last year I player very little,” he said.

London Olympics bronze medallist woman boxer, M C Mary Kom too hope that the stand-off between IOC and IOA will sorted out soon for the betterment of Indian atheltes who, accorring to her, are the real sufferers.

“I am really worried and upset. As a sportsperson, you don`t want these issues because an athlete can concentrate on his or her training,” said, Mary Kom, who won the sopecial achievement award.

“I hope higher authorities will bring an early and good solution to this problem.”

PTI