In an emergency meeting convened by Indian Olympic Association on Friday to discuss the letters received from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – the world body wants to know what action IOA is taking on Kalmadi following the court case against him, IOA decided that there will no change in the status quo, which means Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi is safe as ever, writes The Times Of India.
“The house accepted the letter written by Kalmadi to acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra that he would not be able to devote time to IOA and he would also not exert his rights and obligations as president of the sports body. The house unanimously endorsed the continuation of Malhotra as its acting president, with full powers and authority,” adds Hindustan Times.
The development was a clear signal that the door is not shut on Kalmadi and the beleaguered politician can still make a comeback. There is talk in the IOA circles that Malhotra would continue as acting president till the next IOA elections, which are due later this year, before Kalmadi returns to claim his seat.
Meanwhile at forty, Jeev Milkha Singh feels he still has it in him to win more tournaments on the international circuit and move closer to the top. "I tell myself if Vijay Singh (Fiji Islands) could become the number one player in the world at 40 (Vijay did that in the nineties), even I can do it. I’m absolutely fit now. The shoulder injury has healed completely, my back’s good and I see good days ahead,” said Jeev, according to report in The Tribune.
The ace player was speaking at a function at the launch of a charity golf tournament here on Friday. “I’m hitting close to 300 balls every day and I plan to build on that and also I’m concentrating a lot on my short game and ultimately it’s all about the confidence and the mental aspect of the game. And I feel I’m getting there slowly,” said Jeev.
With a couple of months left for the London Olympics, NIS, Patiala, is abuzz with activity as many star sportspersons of the country are sweating it out to make it to mega sports bonanza, says a report in The Tribune. Right from pugilists to female wrestlers, table tennis players, weightlifters and athletes, top probable for London Olympics of various games are currently training at NIS.
All female pugilists, except Mary Kom, are training here and there coach Chandra Lal feel that it was the best sports centre in the country for boxers. “It has the best sports environment and the weather and food here are perfect. As far as infrastructure is concerned, NIS, Patiala, is no match and therefore, girls are very comfortable training here. Moreover, with the fully equipped boxing hall, they can even train during night hours, which is an added advantage,” he added.
