Rift within COA out in open

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 14

The rift within the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) came to the fore after representatives of many associations shared a platform to level allegations against COA Secretary Maha Singh.

So many associations that are not even affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) or with the Centre have been granted COA affiliation. The technical committee was not consulted. - Ravinder Talwar, Chief Executive Officer, COA

Chander Mukhi Sharma, president, Chandigarh Basketball Association, along with Ravinder Talwar, COA Chief Executive Officer, Rajpal Chauhan, Chairman Technical Committee, COA, and other joint secretaries interacted with the media today.

They alleged that besides awarding “bogus” affiliations, the Secretary failed to produce expenditure report, minutes and agenda of previous meetings, which was a clear violation of the House. “So many associations that are not even affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) or with the Centre have been granted COA affiliation. The technical committee was not consulted,” said Talwar.

“The Chandigarh Olympic Association elections have been announced for January 27 without calling the House meeting. The Secretary has appointed a returning officer for the elections, but only the president has the power to make such an appointment,” said Chander Mukhi Sharma.

They said they had raised the issues various times in the House. “In the four-year term, the General House was called only once or twice. We have raised our voices, but to no avail,” added Sharma. He said during the previous elections (2016), the UT Sports Department asked the COA to follow sports code after finding lapses.

“The Olympic Association has to follow the National Sports Code. There has been no information on the Electoral College of the House and on expenditure. We have been staying mum for the sake of players,” said Sharma.

Meanwhile, Maha Singh refuted the allegations. “These people are lying about every issue. They were part of every meeting whenever an affiliation was awarded to all associations. I am willing to come out in open at any platform to oppose these allegations,” Maha Singh, Secretary, Chandigarh Olympic Association.