In times of emergency, so-far-so-good for IOA secretary general

It’s been a few days since the sun has popped out of the cloud as the rain has been pounding relentlessly in this part of the country (Tamil Nadu). The gloom is only augmented by the messy civic infrastructure at some of the places.

Going by what is happening in Delhi, the number of Executive Council (EC) members who would be attending Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president N Ramachandran’s meeting too seem to be obscured by the clouds. If the mood is as sombre as the weather, it definitely will be a cause of concern for the president with the EC meeting in Chennai on Thursday.

In Delhi, the mood though should have been of joy but somehow that cheerfulness is missing. The uncertainty is still bothering them. The special EC meeting called by the secretary general Rajeev Mehta to decide on some pertinent issues that needed urgency is suddenly garnering some momentum.

Most of the EC members have apparently acceded to the request and agreed to attend Tuesday’s meeting at the Olympic Bhawan.

On Monday, there was a dinner at RK Anand’s residence and going by officials who attended the meeting, it is learned most of the EC members were present. Even on Monday, they are expecting more than the 19 who attended the meeting called by the secretary-general in October. If some top IOA officials are to be believed, it might even cross the expected figure of 23 out of 27.

Recently IOA treasurer Anil Khanna had sent out a mail to its members where he pointed out the discrepancies of the meeting called by Mehta. He even questioned the legality of the meeting. However, Mehta is unfazed. He feels Tuesday’s meeting might exceed his expectations. Except for a handful of members, most will be here.

Three EC members have sent letters citing their unavailability. Former Indian cricket board president Anurag Thakur (vice-president) is one of them. Defending his decision and rubbishing any confrontation with the president, Mehta tells Express after a meeting of top IOA officials in Delhi: “I have called for a meeting as per the requisitionists’ request.”

Even on Tuesday, Mehta says he would go by the decision of the majority of the members. The decision to attend the November 9 meeting also will be taken at the emergency EC meet.

Some of the officials who agreed to attend the meeting too say, whatever the house decides they will implement it. They feel it is time all IOA members come together. “After all we know each other for ages now and this approach will only burn bridges and tarnish the reputation of the IOA,” say some officials.
There is another angle to the meeting.

It is learned even some of the associate members have been requested to meet. Narinder Batra, the potential candidate for the president’s post, is an associate vice-president. Some members who are not part of the EC have been touted as potential office bearers in the next elections. 

Whatever happens, Ramachandran will be keeping a close watch on the day’s proceedings. Because his future hinges on this.