The Indian Olympic Association has decided to go ahead with its Exec Council meeting on Saturday, undeterred by the IOC's "refusal to recognise it," according to the PTI. The move "could put National Sports Federations in a spot in the wake of the world body’s warning not to deal with the IOA." The IOC, in its letter addressed to IOA acting President V.K. Malhotra, had warned the NSFs not to associate with the current office-bearers led by IOA Secretary General Abhay Singh Chautala whom the world body described as "illegitimate individuals." However, in a "circular to the heads of NSFs and state Olympic bodies, a defiant" Chautala said that the meeting would be held as scheduled. Chautala said, "In the Executive Council Meeting to be held on January 19, our endeavour will be to get back into the IOC, and we would like to discuss this letter, so that appropriate action can be taken by us in this regard" (PTI, 1/15). National Olympic Committee Relations Dir Pere Miro said, "Take all necessary measures against these individuals at national level (including any appropriate legal action) to stop their illegal activities with immediate effect and to protect the interests and assets of the suspended IOA" (IANS, 1/14).
