"Not run for a further term': Narinder Batra not to contest for IOA president post

New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) Indian Olympic Association chief Narinder Batra on Wednesday announced that he will "not run for a further term" as president of the IOA."At a time when world hockey is going through an essential development phase, with the promotion of Hockey5s, 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."Consequently, I've decided to not run for a further term as President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)," Batra said in a statement. "I feel that the time has come for me to leave this role to someone coming with a fresh mind and new ideas to take Indian sports to much much greater heights and also go all out to work to get the 2036 Summer Olympics in India."It's been a privilege and a tremendous honour to serve in my capacity as President of IOA throughout my term, I've been guided by one goal only: the good and the betterment of Indian sport," he wrote."At this stage, I'd like to thank all those who've supported me in the last 4 years. And I wish my successor and the whole sports family in India every success in the future! Thank You all and God Bless," he added.

--IANScs/inj

(Disclaimer: This post has been auto published from IANS news agency without any modification to the text and has not been reviewed by editor)