VIJAYAWADA: Good news for sportsmen and women of Andhra Pradesh as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), in a bid to resolve the disputes between two warring Olympic associations in the State, has come forward to appoint an ‘arbitration commission’ following the guidelines of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad High Court.
Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association (APOA) general secretary R K Purushottam, speaking to The Hindu on Monday, said that his association welcomed the decision of the HC bench to constitute an arbitration commission with retired judges to resolve the disputes between both the associations.
“Though APOA, headed by Guntur MP Galla Jayadev, was recognised by IOA, another Olympic association was creating obstructions for the development of sports in the residual Andhra Pradesh,” he alleged. He said the commission will submit its report in next three months.
He also refuted the allegations levelled by the rival group that Galla Jayadev’s close association with IOA president N. Ramachandran led to Mr. Jayadev’s group getting recognition from the IOA.
The APOA general secretary said that their association had already deposited Rs. 5 crore with IOA for conducting the National Games in the State. “We are ready to present our arguments before the arbitration Commission and we are confident that the decision will be taken in favour of our association,” said APOA vice president S M Sultan.
EOM
