After Kalmadi, Abhay Chautala now ready to step down as IOA lifetime president

On 29 December, following in the footsteps of Suresh Kalmadi, Abhay Chautala who had also been bestowed with the post of lifetime president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), declared that he is ready to relinquish his post, and "sacrifice" for the sake of Indian sports.

This comes after the controversy surrounding the appointment of Kalmadi and Chautala as joint lifetime presidents of the IOA. Chautala has, however, said that the International Olympic Committee must first take exception. It is the prerogative of the IOA to discuss the matter with the IOC.

Hours before his declaration, Sports Minister Vijay Goel had opined that like Suresh Kalmadi, Chautala should also resign or be removed from the post in question.

On Wednesday, Suresh Kalmadi declined the post of lifetime president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after the controversy over his involvement in the Commonwealth Games scam.

Also read - Suresh Kalmadi declines post of lifetime president of Indian Olympic Association

Kalmadi's lawyer Hitesh Jain was quoted by CNN-News18 saying, "Kalmadi has decided to not accept any official position till his name is not cleared in all legal cases."

As soon as the Indian Olympic Association named Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala as its lifetime presidents, it faced major criticism from all quarters, including present Sports Minister Vijay Goel and former Sports Minister Ajay Maken. However, the Olympic body defended its appointment calling it a legitimate decision and the posts honorary.

Also read - After outrage, notice to IOA over appointment of tainted Suresh Kalmadi, Abhay Chautala

The Sports Ministry had issued a showcause notice to the IOA. The ministry said all ties will be cut off with the IOA till Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay SIngh Chautala are not removed.