New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association president Narinder Batra resigned from his post on Wednesday. “At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase and the launch of fan-engaging platforms and activities, my role as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) requires more time for all these activities,” Batra said in a statement.
“Consequently, I’ve decided to not run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).” Batra added that he wishes his successor to go all out and get India the hosting rights of the 2036 Olympics.
The development comes weeks after the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry against him for alleged misappropriation of public funds. Batra, who is also the International Hockey Federation chief, has headed the IOA since 2017. The CBI enquiry has also been initiated against unknown officials of Hockey India. It has been alleged that Batra misappropriated Rs 35 lakh of Hockey India (HI) for personal use.
A turf war between Batra and Hockey India surfaced recently after he sent a terse communication to the sports federation, questioning the performance of the men’s hockey team in tournaments.