IOA fears losing grip over state associations: HOA chief

Chandigarh, Feb 17 (PTI) P V Rathee, who heads the rivalfaction of the Haryana Olympic Association (HOA), today saidthe only reason why the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) wasnot granting them recognition was that the national governingbody fears losing grip over state bodies.

IOA has not granted Rathee-led faction the status of astate association but allowed them to be part of the ongoingNational Games in Jharkhand.

The other faction of the HOA is led by Indian NationalLok Dal MLA Abhay Singh Chautala. Both the factions are lockedin a legal battle, claiming to be the official state body torun sports affairs.

"IOA fears that it may lose its grip over the stateassociations. We have started a legal process, which IOA fearsthat others may also start," Rathee, who is also Haryana''s DGP(CID), said at a news conference here today.

Asked about the recent media reports that IOA has givenrecognition to Chautala headed HOA, with IOA president SureshKalmadi approving the report of Anand Commission, which hadrecognised the Chautala group, Rathee said, "The reports werenot true and the Chautala faction had tried to distort factsand mislead the people".