New Delhi: Narinder Dhruv Batra on Monday stepped down as the chief of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and also resigned as the International Hockey Federation (IHF) president as well as member of Indian Olympic Committee (IOC). In a letter addressed separately to the Boards of IOA, IHF and the IOC, he thanked them for entrusting with the charge and cited ‘personal reasons’ for withdrawing from office.
“Owing to personal reasons, I tender my resignation from the post of president for which I was selected in 2017. Thank you for your support and guidance,” Batra wrote in the letter to IOA Executive Board.
Resignation after CBI searches: Reports
Batra’s surprise resignation comes reportedly after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) searching his residence in the IOA building in the relation to Hockey India case.
Batra issued a statement on May 25 announcing his decision to not contest the upcoming elections. “At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockeys, the creation of a new competition this year – the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – 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 the statement.
He also said that it was time for him to hand over the baton to someone more younger and with a competent mind.
“New ideas will take the Indian sports to much greater heights as they will help consolidate the plan to organize 2036 Summer Olympics in India.
