LONDON, Aug 11: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reiterated that it only recognizes the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) led by Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan.
IOC´s comment came a week after National Sports Council (NSC) said it recognizes the NOC led by Rukma Samsher Rana in line with the Supreme Court´s verdict to reinstate the Rana-led committee.
IOC´s National Olympic Committee Relation Chief Jerome Poivey said no government agency has the right to recognize NOC.
"There is only one NOC recognized by IOC - the one led by Pradhan. IOC is clear in its stance that no other entity can grant recognition to National Olympic Committee," said Poivey.
Two different NOCs - the one led by Pradhan and other by Rana -- have been claiming legitimacy for the last few years.
"We are aware of the controversies in Nepal. The verdict of court and the government´s decision has fuelled the controversy. Only the IOC and authorities recognized by IOC can use Olympic rings and its name," said Poivey to Nepali media persons here on Friday.
Poivey also said that the Pradhan-led has been conducting its election under the supervision of IOC. "Though we respect local laws, IOC is a unique organization which functions as per its own statute and the Olympic Charter. We can´t follow the local rules that contradict the Olympic Charter," said Poivey.
Meanwhile, NOC President Pradhan said that the NSC´s recent decision has added fuel to controversy. "NSC decision could risk Nepal´s international participation," said Pradhan. "People leading the other committee know well that they can´t do anything in the international arena. The government itself has to seek a solution," he added.
Stating that the committee led by him would adopt maximum flexibility, Pradhan said, "We want to cooperate with the government but we want autonomy of sports bodies," said Pradhan. He said that NSC could chip in to solve the issue.
NSC had merged two NSA bodies last year by forming a taskforce and seeking solutions from both the sides.
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