KATHMANDU, May 24: National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama hinted that the relations between NSC and Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) recognized by the International Olympic Committee have improved.
Asked about his participation in the upcoming London Olympics, Lama said he could still take charge as chef-de-mission.
"I never refused to take charge as chef-de-mission. I had only demanded transparency in the activities of NOC and I still have some reservations," said Lama. "However, I have found NOC carrying out its recent activities in a transparent manner and if that continues, I may accept the responsibility," he added.
Lama said NOC´s step to inform the press about the preparation for the London Olympics through a press conference on May 17 was a positive indication. "There were controversies over participation in the London Olympics but the press conference clarified many issues. I´ve taken it as a positive sign," said Lama.
NOC had informed the media about the participating players, nominations for wild card entries and possible participation of officials in the London Olympics.
At the same press conference, NOC President Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan had said that NOC has not replaced Lama as chef-de-mission.
However, NOC General Secretary Jeewan Ram Shrestha told Republica on Tuesday that they should take a fresh decision on appointing Lama as chef-de-mission. "Earlier, Member Secretary Lama had refused to take charge as chef-de-mission and the NOC president had to participate in the Regional Forum meeting held in Malaysia," said Shrestha. "However, we are ready to discuss the issue if he agrees to take charge again," he added.
Conflict between NSC and NOC had resurfaced last month after a five-month-long truce. The latest row ensued after NOC forwarded the names of karate referees to Asian Karate Federation (AKF) for participation in the referee licensing course in Malaysia on the recommendation of Nepal Karate Federation (NKF) led by Purendra Lakhe and also hesitantly forwarded the recommendation of rival Nepal Karate Federation led by Dawa Gurung.
NSC had dissolved the Lakhe-led NKF and formed a new committee under Gurung´s leadership last October.
NSC had decided to recognize the NOC led by Pradhan six months ago after the former received a letter from IOC stating that only the Pradhan-led committee could use the Olympic rings and its name in Nepal. Two different NOCs have been claiming legitimacy after the Supreme Court in November 2010 recognized the organization led by Rukma Shamsher Rana.
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