The IOA also decided to back the All India Tennis Association and Judo Federation of India in their fight against the Sports Ministry which had asked the heads of the two NSFs to step down under the contentious tenure limit provisions of the Sports Code.
Goa, which had won the hosting rights of the 2016 National Games, has been tardy in the preparation for the multi-sporting event and has not yet fixed the dates despite repeated request from the IOA. The IOA had warned Goa in August that the Games may be shifted to another state if it does not act fast.
"The House expressed displeasure at the tardy pace of preparations by Goa for 2016 National Games. Moreover, Goa has not fixed a date for the Games despite repeated reminder by the IOA. The House decided that Goa will be given one more chance to do that," a top official who attended the AGM told PTI.
Andhra Pradesh also submitted its bid to host the 2019 National Games by depositing Rs 50 lakh security amount.
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"The President said that the IOA has been able to attract
sponsorships from the private sector and so the amount has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. He said if more sponsorship comes during the year, it will be increased to Rs 6 lakh," the official said.
Regarding the Sports Code, the House agreed that the tenure restrictions as applied to the IOA will be the same as in the case of NSFs also.
The duo had told the Ministry that the provision of cooling-off period in the tenure guidelines was applicable to only a secretary/treasurer seeking re-election to the same post (secretary/treasurer) after serving two consecutive terms. They said that the provisions will not apply to a secretary/treasurer seeking election for president.
"The House was unanimous that NSFs should not buckle down under such pressure from the Sports Ministry," the official said.