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Tag: Narinder Batra

  • CBI registers case towards Batra hours after he resigns as IOA, FIH president

    The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a case towards veteran sports activities administrator Narinder Batra hours after he resigned because the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), alongside along with his place as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

    The CBI, in a press release, claimed they discovered ‘incriminating documents/records’ towards Batra following raids at workplaces of Hockey India and IOA alongside along with his residences in New Delhi and Jammu. In April, the CBI had launched a preliminary inquiry towards Batra for alleged misappropriation of Hockey India funds to the tune of Rs 35 lakh.

    On Monday, the investigating company mentioned that circumstances had been registered towards former Hockey India president Rajinder Singh, ex-secretary common Mohammad Mushtaque Ahmad who went on to turn out to be the organisation’s president, and former government director RK Srivastava ‘for committing illegalities for renovation and furnishing of the office of IOA president in 2018.’

    “It was alleged that during 2018, then HI President and then Secretary General, in conspiracy with then IOA President and then Executive Director, got executed the work of renovation & furnishing of the office of then IOA President without prior approval of the Executive Board of Hockey India,” the CBI mentioned in its assertion. “It was further alleged that in order to justify and to cover up the fraudulent expenditure at the approval stage, the accused fabricated and falsified the records.”

    Batra’s tenure because the president of IOA ended abruptly in May after the Delhi High Court struck down the put up of ‘life member’ in Hockey India, an organisation he headed up to now. Batra in 2017 had contested the election for IOA president on the idea of his place as Hockey India’s life member.

    He then appealed towards the ruling however a bigger bench of the High Court refused to remain the order and listed the matter for listening to on July 26. His IOC membership was linked to the IOA function and in May, Batra had mentioned he gained’t stand for re-election as IOA president to have the ability to deal with his duties as FIH president.

    A 12 months earlier than he grew to become IOA president, Batra grew to become the primary Asian president of the world hockey physique FIH and was re-elected for a second time period, till 2024, final 12 months. He resigned from all posts on Monday by way of separate handwritten notes, citing ‘personal reasons’.

    The FIH Board accepted the resignation and mentioned an appearing president shall be appointed quickly in Batra’s place.

  • Anil Khanna rejects Narinder Batra’s claims on presidency, tells members his continuation shall be in contempt of court docket

    Senior IOA vice chairman Anil Khanna on Thursday categorically rejected Narinder Batra’s declare that he’s nonetheless the chief of the apex sports activities physique, saying his continuation within the prime job shall be a contempt of court docket.

    Veteran sports activities administrator Batra was on Wednesday eliminated as Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president after the Delhi High Court struck down the place of ‘Life Member’ in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested and received the apex physique’s elections again in 2017.

    Khanna took over as appearing chief after HC order.

    However, Batra stated he “did not contest the election for either president FIH or president IOA by virtue of holding any post that was struck down by the order of the Hon’ble High Court”.

    “I currently continue to serve the IOA as President, till such time new elections are held,” Batra stated in his message to members, a declare that was promptly rejected by Khanna.

    “As per this (Delhi High Court) order, Mr. Batra’s time period as President of IOA has come to an finish with fast impact on twenty fifth May 2022.

    “Mr. Batra in a WhatsApp message today to the members has claimed that he is not holding the position of IOA President by virtue of his being a Life Member of the Hockey India. This is an incorrect statement,” Khanna wrote in an e-mail to the IOA members.

    “As per IOA Constitution and Election Bye Laws, representatives nominated by each voting unit must be members of the Executive Bodies of such units to be part of the Electoral College. Mr. Batra was part of the Electoral College in 2017 and his name appeared in S.no 43 of the Electoral College,” Khanna wrote in an e mail to members.

    Khanna identified that Batra has used his place as Life Member of Hockey India to be within the Electoral College and, subsequently, as per the Order of the court docket he ceases to be the president of IOA.

    “In 2017, Mr. Batra ceased to be President of Hockey India and was not a member of the Executive Committee of Hockey India. Mr. Batra was a Life Member of Hockey India as per para 2.1.1.3 of Hockey India Constitution and it was on this capability as Life Member of Hockey India, that his title was included within the Electoral College of Indian Olympic Association.

    “The Order of the Hon’ble High Court is, therefore, abundantly clear that the illegal post of Life Member cannot be the stepping stone for any other position or benefit elsewhere, be it nationally (including in the Indian Olympic Association) or in International bodies.” The Delhi HC dominated that the place of Life Member and Life President have been “illegal” since they weren’t in consonance with the National Sports Code and put in a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the day-to-day affairs of Hockey India.

    Khanna stated, “In this critical time, IOA as an Institution has to start conducting itself with due respect to the orders of the Hon’ble High Court, Law of the Land and National Sports Code.
    “It should be our endeavour to be compliant. Mr. Batra’s claim is once again challenging the order of the Hon’ble High Court and the Constitution of IOA. This may tantamount to Contempt of Court.” A prime IOA supply advised PTI: “If Mr Batra does not accept that he is no longer IOA president and object to senior vice president taking charge as acting president as per IOA constitution, somebody in the IOA will have to go to court to enforce the order.” Khanna additionally stated that he’s now the one eligible candidate to run the affairs of IOA, with the opposite senior vice chairman R Ok Anand already previous the age of 70.

    “This leaves only me as the eligible senior vice president to fill the vacancy.” Khanna, the previous president of All India Tennis Association (AITA), henceforth additionally requested all of the IOA members to take directions solely from him or secretary common Rajeev Mehta.

  • Narinder Batra eliminated as IOA chief after High Court strikes down Life Member submit in Hockey India

    Veteran sports activities administrator Narinder Batra was on Wednesday eliminated as IOA President after the Delhi High Court struck down the place of ‘Life Member’ in Hockey India, courtesy which he had contested and received the apex physique elections again in 2017.

    Indian Olympic Association (IOA) senior vp Anil Khanna took over as performing chief. Batra had filed his nomination for the IOA president’s submit as a consultant (Life Member) of Hockey India. The Delhi HC dominated that the place of Life Member and Life President have been “illegal” since they weren’t in consonance with the National Sports Code and put in a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the day-to-day affairs of Hockey India.

    The court docket ruling got here whereas listening to a petition of former India hockey participant and a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning staff, Aslam Sher Khan, who had challenged Batra’s appointment as life member of Hockey India. “…the administrative setup of R-2 (Hockey India) is, erroneously or illegally constituted because of the Life President and Life Members,” the HC bench of Justices Najmi Wajiri and Swarana Kanta Sharma stated in its order.

    “The Government of India cannot grant recognition to a NSF whose constitution is not in consonance with the Sports Code. The posts of Life President, Life Member in the NSF are illegal so is the post of CEO in the Managing Committee. These posts are struck-down.” Hours after the High Court ruling, IOA issued a press release saying Khanna is now the performing chief of the physique.

    “….Hence by way of this judgment, Mr. Batra has also been removed from the post of President of the Indian Olympic Association. With the removal of Mr. Batra from Indian Olympic Association, the Acting President of Indian Olympic Association shall be Mr. Anil Khanna who is the Sr. Vice President of IOA.” The HC additionally got here down laborious on Batra for attempting to “benefit” elsewhere from an “illegal” submit. “What a paradox, to make oneself everlasting in an entity whose tenure itself is impermanent.

    The unlawful Post of Life President or Life Member can’t be the stepping-stone for some other place or profit elsewhere, be it nationally (together with in Indian Olympic Association) or in worldwide our bodies,” the HC bench stated.

    Batra can be heading International Hockey Federation (FIH). He grew to become President of the world hockey physique in 2016 and reclaimed the place final yr for a second time period. “If R-3 (Batra) has so benefitted, then such profit or place shall finish instantly. Let the CoA look into the matter, so would the Government of India.

    “…had himself appointed as Life Member of Hockey India. This smacks of … brazen impertinence to the clear mandate of law. It was a less than honest but futile endeavour to institutionalize oneself in a body whose legitimacy itself is contingent upon conformity with the Sport Code and the law.” The HC additionally empowered the CoA to recuperate no matter sum of money Batra owes as “expenses incurred on such supernumerary, innovative and illegal posts”.

    Within hours of the Delhi HC determination, Batra issued a press release, saying that he won’t search re-election for a second time period when the IOA elections are held and that should spend extra time as head of International Hockey Federation.

    The IOA elections, which have been because of be held in December final yr, have been saved in abeyance because of one other pending court docket case. Batra’s elimination signifies that his membership of International Olympic Committee may also come to an finish because the coveted place was linked to his IOA presidency.
    Batra was made an IOC member in 2019.

    “At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockey5s, the creation of a new competition this year – the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – and the launch of fan-engaging platforms and activities, my role as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requires more time for all these activities,” Batra stated within the assertion.

    “Consequently, I’ve decided to not run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).” Batra’s reign has been a controversial one as a result of simmering stress between the factions led by him and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta.

    In 2020, IOA vice-president Sudhanshu Mittal had written to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), alleging irregularities and false declarations by Batra in his election to the highest submit. “Since he had already resigned from any office bearer’s post with Hockey India in order to comply with the FIH Statute, there is no possible way that he could be in the executive committee of Hockey India, unless Narinder Batra has given false declarations and information to the FIH and to everyone else that he has resigned from Hockey India.”

    Recently, Batra had apologised for a social media submit in opposition to former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha, a growth which had led to calls for of his resignation from the IOA prime job. Last month, the CBI had additionally initiated a preliminary inquiry in opposition to Batra for alleged misappropriation of public funds.

  • Narinder Batra to not search one other time period as IOA president

    Narinder Batra on Wednesday has introduced that he’s not going to run for an additional time period as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

    “At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockey5s, the creation of a new competition this year – the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – and the launch of fan-engaging platforms and activities, my role as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requires more time for all these activities,” Batra stated in an announcement.

    “Consequently, I’ve decided to not run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA),” he added.

    Batra is beneath the scanner for allegedly diverting funds to the tune of Rs 35 crore for private functions.

    Batra, who’s the International Hockey Federation chief, is a former secretary-general and president of Hockey India, and has headed the IOA since 2017.

    The Olympic physique’s elections had been due final December however they might not be held as per schedule following a plea within the Delhi High Court, difficult its constituent. It is alleged that it’s not in sync with the National Sports Code and the International Olympic Committee constitution.

    “I feel that the time has come for me to leave this role to someone coming with a fresh mind and new ideas to take Indian sports to much much greater heights and also go all out to work to get 2036 Summer Olympics in India,”stated Batra.

    “It’s been a privilege and an incredible honour to serve in my capability as President of IOA all through my time period, I’ve been guided by one objective solely: the great and the betterment of Indian sport.

    “At this stage, I’d like to thank all those who’ve supported me in the last 4 years. And I wish my successor and the whole sports family in India every success in the future!”

  • CBI registers preliminary enquiry in opposition to Narinder Batra for Hockey India funds ‘misuse’ 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The CBI has registered a preliminary enquiry in opposition to Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra for alleged misuse of Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India funds, officers stated on Wednesday.

    The central probe company had obtained a grievance in opposition to Batra following which it began a preliminary enquiry, which is step one to determine prima facie criminality, they stated.

    It was alleged within the grievance that Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India funds was used for private advantages of Batra, the officers stated.

    A turf struggle between Batra and Hockey India surfaced just lately after he despatched a terse communication to the sports activities federation, questioning the efficiency of the boys’s hockey staff in tournaments.

    After Batra’s missive, Olympian and member of the 1975 World Cup-winning staff Aslam Sher Khan questioned Batra over his curiosity in issues of Hockey India.

    Khan stated being the FIH (International Hockey Federation) chief, Batra’s interference in Hockey India’s operations is a transparent case of ‘battle of curiosity’.

    “Definitely, it is conflict of interest by Batra. He is the FIH president and being in that post, he can in no way interfere in the affairs of a national federation,” stated Khan, who has challenged within the Delhi High Court some irregular appointments in HI, together with that of Batra as a ‘life member’.

  • We are in talks with IOC for 2036 Olympics, Motera finest venue: IOA chief

    Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Narinder Batra on Saturday stated the group is in talks with the International Olympic Committee for a doable bid by India to host the 2036 summer time video games, and Ahmedabad’s Motera stadium is the most effective venue for a gap ceremony.
    After it was rebuilt to make it the world’s largest cricket stadium, the Motera facility was renamed as `Narendra Modi Stadium’ by the Gujarat Cricket Association in February 2021.
    “If someone asks me about the venue for the opening ceremony at present, then it is definitely going to be the Motera stadium,” Batra informed reporters right here.
    “There is no stadium better suited to host the opening ceremony of the Olympics (in India). I can’t say what will happen by 2036…. (but) I will be proposing Ahmedabad as the venue for the opening ceremony,” the IOA chief added.
    He was talking to the media at an occasion organized by TransStadia, a city-based sports activities infrastructure agency.
    “When you say opening ceremony, it means that athletics will also be played (at the same venue). And athletics is the biggest event (at the Olympics),” he stated.
    Olympic video games could be hosted in three or 4 cities in India, and the IOA is in talks with the IOC about India’s doable bid for 2036, Batra stated. The possibilities of India getting the chance have been brilliant, he added.
    “If we talk about the 2036 Olympics, then yes, we are already talking to the International Olympic Committee. Being the president of IOA, my discussions with the IOC happen on the subject….2036 Olympics will be finalized in two-three years, and we are currently discussing with IOC,” he stated.
    Recently, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) invited proposals from consultants to conduct a `hole evaluation’ to evaluate if the infrastructure within the metropolis was sufficient to host Olympics.
    A correct presentation for India’s bid will probably be ready after a brand new president takes over following IOA elections in December, Batra stated.
    India is likely one of the six or seven doable contenders for the 2036 video games, he added.
    “India has come on the world radar, and is heading towards becoming the third largest economy in the world. By 2036, it is going to be the second or third largest economy,” he stated.
    A brand new bidding course of has been adopted by the IOC for the collection of the host metropolis, and Brisbane was awarded the 2032 video games utilizing this course of, Batra famous.
    “You have to show them three-four centres, because now you can do it at multiple places, then you will show them the venues, new as well as the existing, and what are their legacy use. Motera Stadium has a legacy,” he stated.

  • FIH president Narinder Batra to contest for a second time period

    Image Source : HOCKEY INDIA File photograph of Narinder Batra.
    Incumbent Narinder Batra has determined to contest for re-election as International Hockey Federation (FIH) president within the governing physique’s polls scheduled in May.
    Batra, who turned FIH president in 2016, confirmed his re-election bid in a letter to the FIH Congress dated February 18.

    “In 2016, you gave me your trust in electing me as the twelfth President of the International Hockey Federation. In the last four years, I have done my best and put all my energy to enable FIH to fulfil its missions – in particular the development of hockey globally — add new objectives and steadily improve its management for the good of hockey,” Batra wrote.
    “…The experience of the last five years, coupled with your numerous encouragements and my strong dedication, have convinced me that I should make myself available to pursue my mission at the helm of the FIH,” mentioned Batra, who’s the president of Indian Olympic Committee and in addition a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

    “Therefore, I herewith have the honour and the pleasure to announce my candidacy to continue to be your President beyond the upcoming Congress, should you wish me to do so.”
    The FIH Congress is scheduled to be held right here in May, however there’s a chance the assembly may very well be held just about resulting from journey restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    In truth, the Congress was initially scheduled for final yr however was pressured to be postponed because of the pandemic, handing Batra an prolonged first time period.
    The nominations for the president’s publish was opened on February 12 and is scheduled to finish on March 12. The subsequent president will maintain the workplace till 2024 because the FIH has lowered the time period from 4 to 3 years resulting from deferment of the Congress final yr.

  • IOC begins talks with IOA to vaccinate athletes earlier than Olympics

    The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has initiated talks with the nationwide our bodies, together with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), over emergency entry to Covid-19 vaccines for the Tokyo-bound contingent.
    IOA president Narinder Batra mentioned ‘discussions are ongoing on how to vaccinate athletes, support staff and officials’ forward of the Olympics but it surely won’t be made necessary. The organisation’s secretary basic Rajeev Mehta added they’ve obtained a communication from the IOC, saying they together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) will help the collaborating nations in securing Covid-19 jabs for the athletes and officers.
    The IOA has projected that India will ship a document contingent of 125 athletes for the Tokyo Olympics, that are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 9. “No athlete or official will be forced to take the vaccine but a priority quota will be created. There will be more clarity by March-end as by then, the long list of athletes who will be going for the Olympics will be ready,” Batra mentioned.
    Vaccinating those that can be part of the Olympics is seen as one of many essential elements in delivering protected Games. Two situations are rising in the intervening time. On Saturday, The Daily Telegraph reported that the IOC and WHO are working collectively to get as many athletes vaccinated as potential earlier than the Games.
    The IOC and WHO, the report added, are in talks to safe photographs for athletes in international locations the place vaccination is but to start the Covax challenge. The scheme, whose rollout is probably going subsequent month, is led by WHO and Gavi vaccine alliance.
    In international locations the place Covid-19 doses are already being administered, the IOC and WHO are more likely to converse to the governments so as to add athletes within the emergency checklist. “WHO members will initiate dialogues with the government in their respective countries to get vaccines required for athletes and officials. A set protocol will be followed,” Batra mentioned. “It will be up to the country to decide which vaccine to administer since all of them are approved by the WHO.”

    In India, a parliamentary panel mentioned final month that ‘athletes, as well as coaches and support staff going for the Olympics, should be put in the priority group for the vaccination process.’ Sports minister Kiren Rijiju, too, has advocated the identical.
    The Tokyo Olympics have been shrouded in uncertainty with the rising variety of Covid-19 instances in numerous components of the world, together with the host metropolis Tokyo the place a state of emergency was imposed earlier this month.
    The public opinion surrounding the Games has plummeted since and there have additionally been reviews concerning the Japanese authorities contemplating cancellation of the Games however they’ve been rebutted, with the organisers insisting that the Olympics – which have been postponed for the first-time ever final yr as a result of pandemic – will happen as scheduled this time round.
    Batra, who can be an IOC member, mentioned he was assured the Games will go forward. “The Olympics will take place 100 per cent. The question remains over the number of spectators, whether to have 50 per cent crowd or 100 per cent. That call will be taken in the coming weeks,” Batra mentioned.