OCA speaks up for Randhir

The Olympic Council of Asia on Friday lashed out at the Sports Ministry for questioning the credibility of its secretary general, Randhir Singh, reports HT Correspondent.

The Olympic Council of Asia on Friday lashed out at the Sports Ministry for questioning the credibility of its secretary general, Randhir Singh.

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The Ministry had earlier this week accused Randhir, who is also secretary general of the Indian Olympic Association, of taking advantage of his dual position to influence the OCA and Indian Olympic Council.

In a letter to Sports Minister, MS Gill, the director general of OCA, Hussain Al Mussalam, expressed his dismay at the contents of the letter in which Randhir Singh was accused of high-handedness.

Mussalam reiterated the OCA’s belief in Randhir and praised him for his work. “His (Randhir’s) knowledge, wisdom and commitment to the Olympic movement are exemplary. He has strived to maintain a fine balance between the various arms of the Olympic movement,” Mussalam said.

In its reply, the Ministry chose to reinforce its commitment towards hosting a successful Commonwealth Games, even as chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Hooper, told HT that a lot of work remained across all venues. “We have to stick to the deadlines, otherwise the overlays works will get affected.”

He, however, was clear that no third party should interfere in the autonomy of National Olympic Committees.