IOC Sets Terms for India; Poland, Slovakia Mull Bid; Pentathlon Stadium for Rio?

IOC Sets Terms for India

The IOC has set the terms for the Indian Olympic Association to have its suspension lifted.

In a letter to the IOA from Pere Miro, the IOC director of NOC relations, the IOC says free elections must be held, along with a joint meeting of the IOC, IOA and top government officials, and disassociation with "illegitimate" officials.

"The suspended IOA must be in a position to hold free, fair, transparent and credible elections without any external interference and exclusively on the basis of Olympic Charter and IOA's Constitution," the IOCs wrote to the IOA, according to The Associated Press. "For that purpose, relevant government authorities definitively amend or repeal any government regulations or laws which interfere with autonomous functioning and internal operations."

The IOC suspended the IOA for failing to comply with Olympic Charter requirements of autonomy from the government.The IOC warned that if the IOA proceeded with the elections, it would not recognize the new officials. Among the IOA officers elected was secretary general Lalit Bhanot, who spent 11 months in custody for corruption related to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Pentathlon Stadium for Rio?

The International Modern Pentathlon Union tells Around the Rings discussions are underway for a change of venue in Rio de Janerio.

At present, Rio 2016 plans a riding stadium to stage equestrian, running and shooting events with an adjacent pool hosting the swimming and a nearby sport complex housing fencing.

The close proximity of the five disciplines is a definite step up from London, where almost 10km separated fencing and swimming in the Olympic Park from the finale at Greenwich Park.

President Klaus Schormann, however, is determined the UIPM receive a "modern pentathlon stadium" in place of Rio’s proposed Deodoro Modern Pentathlon Park.

Securing a single venue at the Olympics is, in fact, the German’s "great goal" for his next four years, he revealed to ATR in an October interview and reiterated Wednesday in an open letter to the UIPM community.

"Now a spectator can watch 5 disciplines in 5 hours with 1 ticket from 1 seat," says Schormann, referencing a possible Olympics debut for the pentathlon stadium.

"We are in discussions with Rio 2016 to include this concept with their existing facilities," a UIPM spokesman clarifies to ATR.

"It will reduce their costs, increase the sport interest for the fans and media and allow all the spectators to watch all five events."

Efforts by ATR to reach Rio 2016 for comment on the proposed venue plans are so far unsuccessful.

Notably, the Tokyo bid for the 2020 Olympics presents a single modern pentathlon stadium in its candidature file submitted to the IOC last week. Istanbul and Madrid pitch separate venues.

Polish, Slovak Presidents Discuss Bid

Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski said he will discuss a joint bid for the 2022 Olympics with his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasoparovic.

"I’ll discuss this issue with the Slovak president," he was quoted by AFP. In October, the Polish and Slovak NOCs signed an agreement for a joint bid with Krakow as the main venue. Alpine skiing and ice hockey would take place in Slovakia.

"I’m convinced that the presidents of these two countries, and their governments, will back this kind of move and support organizing the Winter Olympics in the Tatras," he said.

New Istanbul Website

Istanbul 2020 unveiled its new website on Tuesday.

The new page features photos of the city’s landmarks in different panels with links to information about the bid.

To visit the new website, click here.

Sochi Corruption "Impossible"

A Russian government audit official says corruption with the Sochi 2014 Olympics is "practically impossible."

"The Olympics are pretty expensive, this we know," Sergei Stepashin, chair of the Audit Chamber, was quoted by Ria-Novosti. "But the sports facilities cost about the same as in Europe. We conduct quarterly checks ... It's practically impossible to simply steal just like that, I give you my honest word."

Concerns about corruption in Russia related to the Games were raised during the bid process.

New Sochi Ambassador

Silver medalist Ilya Averbukh is the 37th ambassador for Sochi 2014.

The ice dancer won a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics.

"We have lots of great events to look forward to in 2013," he said. "We’re getting closer and closer to the Sochi Games with each passing day and it's a great honor for me to become part of the team of Sochi 2014 Ambassadors."

Support for Dubai Bid

A new survey says 75 percent of UAE residents back a Dubai bid for the 2024 Olympics.

That’s based on a YouGov poll of more than 2,000 respondents from the Middle East conducted last month in the days after the UAE National Olympic Committee announced the bid, which still needs city government support.

According to Arab media, 72 percent of all respondents said the bid is a good idea, and 75 percent when limited to UAE residents.

Another Candidate for BWF Presidency?

China’s head coach says Malaysian badminton chief Nadzmi Mohd Salleh should compete for the presidency of the World Badminton Federation.

"Nadzmi is a good choice," Li Yongbo was quoted Tuesday by The Malaysian Star.

"He has the clout and credentials to increase the popularity of the sport to a wider base."

Incumbent Kang Young Joong of Korea announced last month he will not stand for reelection next year.

So far, Justian Suhandinata of Indonesia is the only candidate to come forward and announce his intent to run.

Candidate registration closes Feb. 28, 2013 with the vote to follow in May in Kuala Lumpur.

Written by Ed Hula III.

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