India’s sports bodies risk int’l suspension

India's Olympic body faces another ban over governance-related issues if it fails to hold elections in the "coming weeks", the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) elections were due last December but have been held up by a court case seeking to change its constitution in line with rules stipulated by the national sports code.

In a letter sent to the IOA's executive council, the IOC and Olympic Council of Asia said they were following developments "with great concern".

The letter said that if the IOA failed to organise the elections in the coming weeks the IOC would have other option but to consider protective measures, "including a suspension".

A suspension would cut off IOC funding, block Indian officials from attending Olympic meetings and leave the country's athletes unable to compete under the India flag at the Olympics.

The All India Football Federation is also facing an international ban with FIFA setting it a deadline to complete changes to its constitution and hold elections by Sept. 15.  India's hosting rights of the men's hockey World Cup in January is also under cloud with the FIH deciding to send a delegation to assess the current situation.