Sports Minister assured us of “early resolution” concerning IOC ban, reveals Narinder Batra
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Narinder Batra has revealed that India’s new Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has promised to seek a quick resolution for IOC’s current ban on India for hosting global events. Rijiju was present in Bhubaneswar to witness the finals of World Series Hockey.
It all started with the Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir back on February 14 when at least 40 CRPF paramilitary personnel were killed by an alleged Pakistan-based terror outfit. With a country in a state of retaliation, two Pakistani shooters were even denied visas as they couldn’t participate in the New Delhi World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee didn’t take it in good stead and following the rule book suspended India from hosting any global events whatsoever unless the government gave “clear written guarantees” to ensure access for all athletes. India have since been trying to mend relations with IOC and new sports minister Rijiju has reportedly assured Batra and Indian Boxing Federation chief Ajay Singh on Wednesday.
“Mr Ajay Singh President Boxing Federation of India and I, met with the Hon’ble Sports Minister of India Mr Kiren Rijiju at his residence office on June 5 and briefed him on the ban imposed by IOC in relation to hosting of all International Sports Events in India since February 2019. Hon’ble Minister understood the issue and assured us of all his support for trying for an early resolution,” Batra said, reported PTI.