Patna: Indian Olympic Association has lifted the ban imposed on the teams from Bihar for participating in the events hosted by it including the upcoming 35th National Games. The lifting of the ban followed State Government’s decision to withdraw controversial (Registration, Recognition and Regulation of Sports Associations) Act 2013.
The lifting of ban has brought smiles across the faces of hundreds of athletes from the state who were preparing hard to participate in the upcoming 35th National Games to be held in Kerala from January 30th. Due to the ban they were unable to participate in the event.
The lifting of ban has also paved the way for Bihar hosting 2020 National Games.
The ban was imposed last month, after the state Government failed to withdraw the controversial Act, which regulates the working of various sports bodies in the state. IOA argued that it curtailed the autonomy of sports bodies and was in violation to International Olympic Charter.
As per reports, the ban was revoked on January 16. In a letter dated January 16, IOA secretary Rajeev Mehta wrote to Bihar CM Jitan Manjhi apprising him the decision of reinclusion of Bihar into Indian Olympic Association.