Sushil Kumar : IOA suspension revoke perfect gift for athletes

Sushil Kumar wants IOA to follow good governance

Sushil Kumar welcomed IOC decision to revoke IOA suspension if IOA held its polls next year.

The IOC had revoked the suspension on IOA following promises by IOA to undertake amendments in its constitution, which would bar charge-framed officials from the association.

“It`s now up to our sports administrators to present the Indian athletes with a perfect gift before the all-important Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year. All the athletes want to compete under the tri-colour. We all want to return to the Olympic fold,” Sushil told PTI

The IOC has asked the IOA to now conduct its polls as soon as possible to ensure a return to the Olympic fold. The IOA has already set aside February 9 to conduct its election.

Following the decision, the Indian athletes now have a chance to compete in the Winter Games in Sochi.

The Indian Olympic body was suspended by the IOC last December after electing secretary-general Lalit Bhanot, who had spent 10 months in jail on corruption charges related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Sushil’s concerns for good governance have been echoed in the past by a number of Indian athletes including Yogeshwar Dutt, Abhinav Bindra and Mahesh Bhupathi.

Sushil said he was training hard towards his goal of bringing a gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I am working in that direction. The preparation is heading in right direction. I have set my eyes on gold in Rio Olympics. I have no injury issues at the moment. I am fit and raring to go keeping in mind next year,” he said.