Chief of FIH Narinder Batra nominated to become member of International Olympic Committee
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Indian Olympic Association head Narinder Batra is one of three members shortlisted for a prestigious seat in the IOC. The vote would be taking place on June 26 and if elected, he would become the second active Indian member of the committee along with Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani.
The committee is set to add 10 more members to its current membership of 95, with the names of those elected to be decided in an IOC session to be held in June in Laussane, Switzerland. The proposal for the same was submitted on Wednesday.
“Seven of the 10 proposed new members are individual members, while there are three candidatures linked to a function within a National Olympic Committee (NOC) or a Continental Association of NOCs,” a statement released by the committee read, with Batra falling into the latter category.
With Nita Ambani becoming the first woman to be elected for the prestigious seat in 2016, Batra would become the first Indian to be the head of the National Olympic Committee, the IOA, an international sports federation, the FIH as well as being a member of IOC. The President of IOC, Thomas Bach, released a statement soon after the proposal was released.
“IOC members are representatives of the IOC in their respective countries, where they promote Olympism and its values. “These 10 new members proposed to the IOC Session have different backgrounds, but they all have a great passion for and knowledge of the Olympic and sports movement, which will help their mission and will be beneficial for the entire Olympic Movement,” he said.
Hockey India President Mushtaque Ahmed was full of praise for his compatriot on being considered for the coveted spot and said it was an honour to see an Indian working for the sport on a global stage.
“It is a befitting honour to a man who has been instrumental in sports administration in India and as the former President of Hockey India Dr Batra paved the way for revival of Hockey in the country. While Indian sports is climbing higher echelons with improved performances at the world level, having him as a Member in the IOC will prove beneficial for sports in the country. I wish him the very best in this new endeavour,” he said.
