The International Olympic Committee, IOC has revoked the ban imposed on Indian Olympic Association, IOA, paving the way for India’s return to the Olympic fold. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said, they have been informed by the IOC that the ban on India has been lifted. The decision comes just after IOA held elections on Sunday as per IOC directives.

Under pressure from IOC and India's sports ministry to adhere to the Olympic Charter and bar chargesheeted officials from contesting elections, the IOA had conducted its polls on Sunday. N. Ramachandran was elected unopposed as president of IOA. Ramachandran had said upon his appointment that his main objective was to have the Indian flag at the Sochi Winter Olympics.

The goal is now achieved as the the flag will be unfurled at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics currently underway in Russia. The news also brought huge relief for Indian athletes as they will now be able to represent the country in big events slated for this year including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Asian Games.

India was suspended by the IOC in December 2012 for electing tainted men like Lalit Bhanot as secretary general and Abhay Singh Chautala as president.