The Indian Olympic Association removed Suresh Kalmadi, the chief organiser of the scandal-hit Delhi Commonwealth Games, as its president Tuesday following his arrest on graft charges. The IOA told AFP that senior association vice-president Vijay Kumar Malhotra had been named as Kalmadi’s interim substitute.
Kalmadi was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday for his role in handing a $31 million contract for timekeeping and scoring equipment to a Swiss firm. “According to the IOA constitution, the senior vice president automatically takes over his duties when the president is not there,” said Malhotra. The move to replace Kalmadi came hours after a court ordered the ruling Congress party lawmaker to be held in police custody for eight days. Kalmadi, known for his powerful political and sporting connections, was at the helm of the IOA for 15 years.