Chandigarh DC Appoints New Administrator for Olympic Association Amid Election Oversight
In a significant move, the Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner has deputed a new administrator and returning officer for the Chandigarh Olympic Association (COA), following an affidavit submitted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This marks the first instance where the UT Administration has been directly involved in supervising the COA election process.
New Appointments and High Court Compliance
Nishant Kumar Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, has appointed Pradeep Kumar, Special Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, as the new COA administrator. This appointment is in compliance with a High Court order, with Kumar tasked to take charge of the society to conduct elections. Once the election process is successfully completed, the charge will be handed over to the newly elected body.
Additionally, Palika Arora, Director of Social Welfare, has been appointed as the returning officer, replacing Amit Kumar, Additional Secretary of Home in the Chandigarh Administration. These changes come after the IOA clarified the status of affiliated and non-affiliated units in Chandigarh through its affidavit, addressing long-standing controversies within the COA.
Background and Previous Election Efforts
Last May, the Chandigarh DC had appointed Hari Kallikkat, former Secretary of Information Technology, as the COA administrator. Kallikkat expanded his team by appointing two DANICS officers—Khushpreet Kaur and Amit Kumar—to oversee the election preparations. Khushpreet Kaur was responsible for preparing the electoral roll in accordance with the National Sports Code, IOA regulations, and instructions from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, while Amit Kumar served as the returning officer.
In October, as many as 22 local associations were approved and included in the COA electoral roll for elections scheduled on November 21. However, the election process was stayed after some associations filed a fresh plea in the High Court. The court then directed the IOA to clarify the status of COA's affiliating units, leading to the recent affidavit submission.
IOA Guidelines and Electoral Roll Revisions
The IOA's affidavit emphasized that only associations recognized by both the state Olympic association and their respective national sports federations are eligible for membership. It clarified that mere inclusion in the 2021 COA electoral roll does not automatically confer eligibility to participate in elections. The COA has been instructed to ensure compliance with IOA rules, regulations, and other applicable provisions, including holding recognition from national sports federations, and to submit a verified list to the election officer.
With the appointment of the new returning officer, a fresh electoral roll is expected to be prepared, with the process set to begin within days. The IOA has stated that existing members cannot include associations that fail to comply with the requisite rules and regulations of the IOA, COA, and the sports code/NSGA 2025. Associations with office-bearers holding dual memberships or lacking clear records will be closely scrutinized.
Furthermore, the allotment of affiliation to various sports associations in the past will be considered while making changes to the existing electoral roll. This comprehensive review aims to ensure transparency and adherence to national sports governance standards in the upcoming COA elections.
