Just in:  Sports Ministry lifts suspension on IOA after it reversed its decision to name Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Chautala Life Presidents.


Facing a severe backlash for appointing scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents, the Indian Olympic Association has been forced to revoke its controversial decision.


IOA confirmed that the appointments of Kalmadi and Chautala had been declared "null and void" in order to get the recognition of the sports ministry and also to avoid any possible action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).


Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Chennai on December 27, but the Olympic body was forced to reverse its decision after it was opposed by a majority of IOA members.