Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra Resigns From Top Post | Other Sports News

Narinder Batra, long-time Indian Olympic Association president, declared on Wednesday that he will not be running for a further term in the top post.  “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 said in a statement.

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

Batra added that he wishes his successor to go all out and get India the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympics.

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.

“It’s been a privilege and a tremendous honour to serve in my capacity as President of IOA throughout my term, I’ve been guided by one goal only: the good 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!” he added.

Earlier, according to a report by news agency PTI in April, the CBI registered a preliminary enquiry against Batra for alleged misuse of Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India funds, officials said. The central probe agency had received a complaint against Batra following which it started a preliminary enquiry, which is the first step to establish prima facie criminality, they said.

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It was alleged in the complaint that Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India funds was used for personal benefits of Batra, the officials said.

A turf war between Batra and Hockey India surfaced recently after he sent a terse communication to the sports federation, questioning the performance of the men’s hockey team in tournaments.