Suresh Kalmadi set for tough battle in AAA elections

PUNE: Eyeing a fourth term as the Asian Athletics Association's President, scam-tainted Suresh Kalmadi is in for a tough fight as he takes on Qatar's DahlanJumaanAl-Hamad in the elections of the continental body, which meets here for a crucial two-day Congress starting tomorrow.

Kalmadi, who is out on bail after spending 10 months in jail for his alleged involvement in the Commonwealth Games scam, will preside over the Congress and seek a re-election.

"But it is going to be a very tough fight and his chances are 50-50. He is not a sure-shot favourite to get a third term," an Athletics Federation of India source told PTI.

Kalmadi will be locked in a straight fight against Qatar Athletics Federation President Al-Hamad, who is also senior vice-president of the Asian body, on the last day of the Congress on July 2.

The biennial Congress, before the July 3-7 Asian Athletics Championships, at a five-star hotel here will also be attended by IAAF President Lamine Diack, besides some top officials from the AAA and the world body.

The Congress, which is the governing body of the association, consists of a Council and not more than two delegates from each member of the AAA. However, each member country will have only one vote in the elections.

The Athletics Federation of India is likely to be represented by its president Adille Sumariwala and Secretary C K Valson.

"The Congress which is normally held before the start of the biennial Asian Championships will discuss mostly routine matters like the progress reports of the last two years, the competitions held and financial matters," an AAA functionary said.

The other members of the AAA Council -- a Senior Vice-President, Five Vice-Presidents and eight Executive Members -- will also be elected.