Assam Olympic Association likely to get new committee by November

Guwahati: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) joint secretary, SM Bali, who is also the chairman of the ad-hoc committee of Assam Olympic Association (AOA), said that the full-fledged team would be formed soon before they finalise the election-related issues. The IOA had dissolved the AOA and formed the ad-hoc committee early this month to run the activities of the association as the state body failed to constitute its new committee which was supposed to be done nearly two years back. The ad-hoc committee has already started its activities to constitute the new committee of the AOA. It is expected that the new committee will likely to take charge by November. The IOA officials earlier alleged that the AOA ignored their instruction to constitute the new committee even though they were informed a couple of occasions. Bali, who was in the city for the last three days, met the officials of the AOA and chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He also collected details, which would be required to start the process to constitute the new committee of the AOA.

“During this visit, I have tried to collect the necessary information which will be required to conduct the meeting and form the new committee of the AOA. I will again visit Guwahati next month along with other members of the ad-hoc committee to take the next course of action,” Bali told reporters here on Saturday.

Replying a question on the tentative date of election Bali said, “It would take little time. The IOA has given us six months to complete the entire procedure and form the new committee of the AOA. I feel by November, we would be able to constitute the committee.” Meanwhile, the previous committee of the AOA, led by former Assam CM Tarun Gogoi, although faced a lot of criticism from the sports fraternity of the state ‘for failing to run the association in a proper way, but Bali said that he has been satisfied with the activities of the previous committee. “I should admit that both president Tarun Gogoi and secretary Rakibul Hussain did a good job in their office to uplift the sports in Assam,” said Bali. Commenting on his meeting with Sarbananda Sonowal, the chairman of the ad-hoc committee said, “The discussion was very fruitful, and he assured me all possible help from his end. I am highly satisfied”. –