‘Suspended’ office-bearer elected president of Chandigarh Olympic Association

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 8

In a bizarre move, one of the factions of the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA) elected Vikram Singh, who was temporarily suspended by the Archery Association of India (AAI) yesterday, as its new president.

In what seems to be a perfect example of nepotism, Vikram is son of outgoing COA general secretary Maha Singh.

Besides, the house elected Raghumit Singh Sodhi as its general secretary. Raghumit is son of Punjab Sports Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, who is also life president the COA, which is not a sanctioned post as per the election circular.

Gurmit’s elder son Anumit Singh Sodhi was the COA treasure in the last four-year term.

These elections will be challenged by another group at the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) platform. A parallel election is already scheduled to be held on March 17.

Was observer unaware of the happenings?

In a most embarrassing moment for the IOA, one of its members Kuldip Vats claimed to have been appointed as observer for these elections. However, no written evidence was produced either by Vats or by the IOA in this regard.

VD Nanavati, Chairman, IOA (Com), said, “Vats should provide details.”

When contacted Vats, he said, “I cannot comment anything on this. I am not aware what happened in the meeting. I only know that some people were elected unanimously. I have no knowledge in this regard as I had to leave for Amritsar. I need to see documents before confirming anything.”

When asked if he can show the IOA’s permission, he replied, “It must be with the Chandigarh unit.”

Sources claimed that Vats attended the full meeting and also clicked photographs with Gurmit.

Represented sham associations?

Sources claimed that a day after getting temporarily suspended from the AAI, Vikram was nominated by the Chandigarh Rowing and Sweep Association for the elections.

Notably, the Chandigarh Rowing and Sweep Association is not affiliated either to the IOA, the Rowing Federation of India or even the Chandigarh Sports Department.

Meanwhile, Raghumit was nominated by the Chandigarh Bowling Federation, the unit which has not conducted even a single championship in the city.

Was Sports Dept informed on Monday?

Meanwhile, the UT Sports Department refused to send their observer after learning that the COA is holding two elections. “...one letter received today (March 8) around 1.30 pm by Maha Singh to depute observer for the elections. It has been observed that the two elections are being held and the competent authority decided not to depute observer in both elections,” stated a circular.

The department has also decided to conduct an inquiry.

All for IOA vote?

Today’s meeting was presided by Gurmit. Shockingly, the minister’s office released a press statement claiming to get vote for the IOA.

“In a meeting under the leadership of Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, members of the COA presented a motion to authorise him to represent the COA in the IOA,” the press release stated.